The Traitor’s star Andrew Jenkins has opened up on his trauma after horrific car crash (Image: BBC)Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxMore Newsletters SubscribePlease enter a valid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.More NewslettersWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More infoThank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow me See OurPrivacy Notice See OurPrivacy Notice×Group 28 Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxInvalid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.Sign UpNo thanks, closeWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info×Group 28Thank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow MeNo thanks, closeSee our
Privacy NoticeAndrew Jenkins from The Traitors has opened up about his mental health struggles, revealing he “wished he was dead” after a horrific car accident left him with severe injuries and mental trauma. At the tender age of 21, Andrew’s life took a tragic turn when he was involved in a terrifying car crash. His vehicle hit a curb, flipped over, and he was ejected through the driver’s side window before being dragged across the ground. In a horrifying twist, the car landed on top of him. He was pronounced dead at the scene, only to spend the next four weeks in a coma. His injuries were so grave that doctors warned his family he might not walk or recognise anyone if he woke up. But Andrew proved them wrong. Just weeks later, he was back on his feet, defying all odds.
Andrew suffered lifechanging physical and mental injuries after the accident
(Image: Supplied)
However, the physical recovery didn’t erase the mental and emotional scars left by the accident. Andrew mourned the loss of his identity post-accident and the missed opportunity to play professional rugby for Wales. In an honest conversation with the Mirror, Andrew shared: “I struggled for 24 years with my mental health. It was tough, I used to lie in bed some days, looking at the ceiling wishing I was dead. I was a hindrance to my family, hated who I looked like. I called myself a freak every single day when I looked in the mirror. I had no self-worth, no self-esteem and I projected it onto everybody else as well.” While he admits “it’s getting better,” Andrew acknowledged the stigma around men’s mental health and men being afraid to speak out. Andrew revealed he declined counselling because he was a “macho 21-year-old ignorant youngster” and believed he would be judged by “somebody in a white coat.”
Andrew admitted he struggled with his mental health following the car crash
(Image: John Baikie)
Andrew said: “I’m a very strong person, I can lift lots in the gym. But my mental health will out-muscle my physical health every single time. It’ll beat me. It’s like a trauma, every single person needs to deal with their trauma.” Andrew has candidly shared that it’s only in the “last couple of years” that he’s truly begun to accept his scarring after two decades of struggle. He expressed: “There are people who are out there who have been told they can’t do something, or they don’t believe in themselves. I want to be a beacon of hope for everyone out there. There’s so much negativity in the world, I want to show people that there are good things happening.”
Andrew rose to fame on BBC reality series, The Traitors
(Image: BBC)
Sign up to OK!’s daily newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free The Traitors star is now taking on an incredible challenge a 1200km trek to support the brain injury charity, Headway. Andrew embarked on this epic walk from the iconic Traitors Castle and plans to touch all four corners of the UK over a 42-day journey which will include historical landmarks like Lancaster Castle and Carrickfergus Castle, culminating at Cardiff Castle. Despite the daunting task ahead, Andrew has modest plans for celebrating its completion, humorously stating he’ll treat himself by getting “a few massages and ice baths.”
Andrew hopes to raise money to support Headway, a brain injury charity
(Image: PAUL CHAPPELLS)
Doctors once labelled him a “miracle”, and Andrew aspires to inspire others to overcome their barriers, providing not just a confidence booster, but also lifting their mental wellbeing. Adding to his remarkable story, Andrew had a moving reunion with the doctor who once saved his life who told him that he “should be dead”. Andrew said that meeting made him realise there’s “no second chance” in life, and that he’s got to make the most of the one he’s been given. If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this story you can contact Samaritans in the UK and Ireland on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie.Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnThe Traitors
