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Celebrity Treasure Island’s Lana Van Hout applauds Karl Burnett for his bravery in putting his mental health first

“I’m so proud of you for putting yourself and your mind first.”
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We’re only into the first week of Celebrity Treasure Island, but it’s already been full of ups and downs, seeing three contestants already leave the island – former All Black Zac Guildford, singer Ladi6 and former Shortland Street actor Karl Burnett.

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And while Zac and Ladi6 lost out in their respective eliminations, Karl’s departure was very different, with him ultimately making the difficult decision to leave the island after a rocky start to the show which he revealed had taken its toll on his mental health.

“[I’ve] suffered depression and anxiety for a very long time and been good for the last few years, but this has taken me completely out of my comfort zone, had a wee bit of a meltdown last night and this morning, I’m not that sure that I can stick around,” Karl explained.

Karl had a rocky start to the show. (Image: Supplied)

Following the episode’s screening, fellow Celebrity Treasure Island contestant, middle distance athlete and fitness influencer Lana Van Hout, 29, took to Instagram to share how proud she was of Karl for making the difficult decision.

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“Depression and anxiety are so prevalent in today’s society and our minds are what we need to look after the most,” she wrote.

“@karlburnett76 for you to open up and speak about yourself and these important issues was truly so brave. I’m so proud of you for putting yourself and your mind first, and for putting mental health in the spotlight.”

In episode two, following the announcement that Karl had left the show, Lana visibly emotional as she held back tears, “I guess I feel really deep empathy for Karl, I’ve been through some tough times in my life,” she explained.

“I hate to think that he hasn’t been happy.”

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Talking to Now To Love in 2017, Lana shared that her passion from running came about as a way to escape the pain of teenage bullying and the trauma of an abusive relationship.

“Running is the positive that came from some negatives in my life,” Lana said.

“It’s not really something I speak about, but I would like to be as honest as possible as it may help someone out there, if they are feeling challenged by life.

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“I was bullied at school, which changed me as a person. Then as a young woman, I was in an abusive relationship and kind of lost myself along the way. I started going for the occasional jog, as it became my escape, my freedom, my way forward to rebuild and feel proud of myself again.”

Lana was visibly upset as host Matt announced Karl’s departure from the show. (Image: Supplied)

Lana isn’t the only participant in the show who has candidly talked about their struggle with mental health.

The show’s co-host Matt Chisholm has himself revealed he was struggling with his mental health in 2018, and as he bid farewell to Karl said: “the old noggin’ is really important mate, I think it’s really courageous and admirable of you to put your hand up and say you’re not OK.”

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We couldn’t agree more Matt.

If you are experiencing depression or anxiety you can talk to a trained counselor at the depression helpline on 0800 111 757 www.depression.org.nz

Celebrity Treasure Island airs Sundays, 7pm on TVNZ 2 and continues Mondays and Tuesdays at 7.30pm

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