Well-known for his appearances on various reality TV shows, Joey Essex harbors a deep sorrow from a family tragedy.
For over twenty years, at the young age of 33, Joey has been coping with the heartbreaking loss of his mother.
The Life and Loss of Joey Essex’s Mother, Tina
Joey Essex’s world was shattered in 2001 with the sudden passing of his mother Tina.
When the tragedy struck, Joey was only 10 and his sister Frankie was 13. They were initially under the impression that she had died after an accidental fall but later learned of the heart-wrenching truth.
In March 2022, as a tribute, Joey posted a touching childhood photo with his mother on Instagram with an emotional message that underscored his ongoing struggle with her loss.
“It doesn’t get easier, but I do this all for you. I got nothing to prove to anyone but you mum,” his caption read, alongside “Happy birthday” wishes and the promise to make her proud.
Understanding Tina’s Tragic Death
Joey’s mother Tina succumbed to her battle with depression, leading her to take her own life.
She suffered from an infection known as candida, which led to a series of symptoms like stomach pain, fatigue, and joint pain that collectively contributed to her depression.
Frankie Essex, Joey’s sister, has disclosed that their mother sought no help for her struggling mental state, a fact they consider to contribute to her untimely death.
The siblings have since opened up about the impact of their mother’s death on their lives, with Joey expressing his struggles in dealing with the loss and the trust issues it brought upon him.
Joey talked candidly about his mother during his participation in Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins in 2020, admitting that her death required him to toughen up internally, although it remains a deeply affecting aspect of his life.
Where To Watch ‘Joey Essex: Grief And Me’
In a BBC Three documentary, Joey Essex confronts his grief head-on, seeking therapy to help him overcome the barriers preventing him from achieving his dreams of starting a family and finding true love. In a deeply emotional revelation, he questions his mother’s love for him, considering her tragic choice to leave. This exploration into grappling with loss is poignantly captured in ‘Joey Essex: Grief and Me’, available on BBC iPlayer.
Joey’s determination to seek help and address his emotional pain is chronicled as he strives to change his future.
You’re Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
FAQs:
Q1: Who was Tina Essex?
Tina Essex was the mother of reality TV personality Joey Essex and his sister Frankie Essex. She tragically took her own life after struggling with depression in 2001.
Q2: How old were Joey and his sister when they lost their mother?
Joey was 10 years old, and his sister Frankie was 13 at the time of their mother Tina’s death.
Q3: Why has Joey Essex publicly discussed his mother’s death?
Joey Essex has discussed his mother’s death to help cope with his grief and to potentially help others going through similar situations. He has participated in reality shows like Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins and has made a documentary titled ‘Joey Essex: Grief and Me.’
Q4: Where can ‘Joey Essex: Grief and Me’ be watched?
The documentary ‘Joey Essex: Grief and Me’ can be watched on BBC iPlayer.
Q5: What is ‘You’re Not Alone’ campaign?
The ‘You’re Not Alone’ campaign, launched by The Sun, focuses on raising awareness about mental health, offering practical advice, and encouraging people to seek and offer support for mental health issues.