Bethenny Frankel is “going through an emotional storm” following the passing of her on-off boyfriend Dennis Shields

And whilst Bethenny has been throwing herself into her work providing relief for those affected by Hurricane Florence in order to take her mind off the events of the last month, she is conscious that she needs to make sure she isn’t “avoiding the grieving process”.

She said: “The work I am doing for hurricane relief is a good outlet, but I’m trying to not get too immersed and not avoid the grieving process and feeling. I am going through an emotional storm and must go through and not around it.

“People are suffering way more than I am. People have helped me get through my despair with their love and inspiration and now it is my turn.”

The ‘Real Housewives of New York’ star praised Dennis for supporting her work for hurricane relief after she previously helped out in the wake of Hurricane Maria and Hurricane Harvey last year through her B Strong Disaster Relief program, which is now helping with Hurricane Florence.

She added to People magazine: “He embraced and applauded everything I did and cheered me on from the sidelines.”

Meanwhile, Bethenny previously said she is "hard to breathe” following Dennis’ death, and admitted it has been "excruciating" not being able to have closure after his "sudden" passing.

Thanking her fans for their continued "support", Bethenny tweeted: "It's hard to breathe & I appreciate you giving me the space & support to try to do so. It's excruciating-sudden death is no closure & constant ?s & memories. Our relationship is current so it's painfully raw. Trying to stay healthy & move through it w tears & close friends. Xo (sic)"