Merrick Watts launched a successful career as a radio host in the early 2000s.
The 46-year-old, who currently stars in Seven’s military-style show SAS Australia, will reveal his secret battle with anxiety and depression on Monday’s episode.
In a piece to camera, Merrick explains how unemployment due to the cancellation of several radio shows in the late 2000s planted the seed for self-doubt.
‘I lost my strength and myself’: Former radio host Merrick Watts (pictured), 46, will reveal his battle with anxiety and depression on Monday’s episode of Channel Seven’s SAS Australia
‘All of a sudden there was a period where I just didn’t have a lot of work,’ he said.
‘I lost my self-confidence and I lost my strength and myself. That started to slowly manifest into anxiety and depression.’
Merrick went on to reveal that it wasn’t one major moment that caused his decline, but rather a number of things.
The Melbourne-born star became a household name when he launched a new breakfast radio show with Tim Ross on Nova’s 96.9 in 2001.
Unemployment: In a piece to camera, Merrick explains how unemployment due to the cancellation of several radio shows in the late 2000s planted the seed for self-doubt. Pictured with former co-host Tim Ross in 2008
After Merrick left the station in 2011, he went on to appear on a number of other radio shows that eventually were cancelled.
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Merrick is one of 10 remaining recruits on SAS Australia that sees stars attempt to pass the selection process to join the Australian Army’s elite Special Air Service.
In an interview with news.com.au in October, Merrick revealed how he begged his agent to get him on the show.
Slow decline: ‘I lost my self-confidence and I lost my strength and myself. That started to slowly manifest into anxiety and depression,’ he says
‘I’d already seen the UK version and I thought it was amazing,’ he said.
‘Last year there was a release saying they were going to make an Australian version and I was like, “That’s me!” I rang my agent and I said, “I’ve got to get on the show; it’s got to happen. I’ll do whatever it takes.’
‘I forced myself into the show,’ he continued with a laugh.
SAS Australia airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 7.30pm on Channel Seven.
For confidential support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Tune in: Merrick (centre) is one of 10 remaining recruits on SAS Australia that sees stars attempt to pass the selection process to join the Australian Army’s elite Special Air Service
Source: Daily Mail
