The Bachelorette’s Jarrod Woodgate reveals his battle with mental illness

Jarrod Woodgate has detailed his battle with mental illness in an open letter to his girlfriend Sam Royce on Instagram on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old Bachelorette alum revealed he’s been suffering from ‘PTSD, anxiety and depression‘, and thanked Sam for standing by him.  

‘Dear Sam, the last six months I’ve been unable to recognise myself due to intense medication for my PTSD, anxiety and depression,’ he began.

Reaching out: Jarrod Woodgate (right) has detailed his battle with mental illness in an open letter to his girlfriend Sam Royce (left) on Instagram on Tuesday

‘The side affects [sic] that you and I have both experienced due to my mental health have been so overwhelming and demanding. 

‘These include no sex drive, no emotion, no sympathy, no understanding, no patience, no happiness, no inspiration and no love! 

‘This makes me so sad that this was the person I had become, and writing this makes me cry. I’m sorry.’

Support: The 36-year-old Bachelorette alum revealed he’s been suffering from ‘PTSD, anxiety and depression’, and thanked Sam for standing by him

But Jarrod said that since going off his medication, he was feeling much better. 

‘Two weeks off my medication and it makes me love, respect, understand and appreciate everything you have done for me since I met you in Bali,’ he continued.

READ RELATED: Mental health: People with anxiety and depression more likely to use 'sextech', study finds 

‘Babe, you are amazing, incredible and the best thing that has happened to me in my 36 years of living.

‘Dear Sam, the last six months I’ve been unable to recognise myself due to intense medication for my PTSD, anxiety and depression,’ he began

‘Thank you for being a supportive girlfriend and a massive shout out to those that have experienced or currently experiencing mental health hurdles in life.’

Jarrod then spoke about the importance of having a good support network, and urged others suffering with their mental health to reach out for help. 

‘This is a real thing and as much as we might want to deny that anything is wrong there is no harm in reaching out for help,’ he added.

‘Babe, you are amazing, incredible and the best thing that has happened to me in my 36 years of living,’ he wrote

‘Sorry for the massive post but I want @samroyceee to know that she is everything to me and I want others to know that with the right support out there we can all get through this together.’

He added: ‘Love to you my beautiful girl and thank you for helping me through my difficult times.’

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.  

‘The side affects [sic] that you and I have both experienced due to my mental health have been so overwhelming and demanding,’ he revealed

Source: Daily Mail