Kiri Allan has broken her silence, before next month's court appearance related to the crash that ended her career

The former justice minister says her life was unravelling in the lead-up to that night.

Allan says personal and professional turbulence contributed to her mental health problems.

Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls says while most people will agree she had to resign, today's revelations are likely to strike a chord.

He says Allan has opened up about what she was going through, and people will be sympathetic about her situation.