Jay-Jay Harvey was back at work on Monday morning and has spoken openly about her life-long battle with depression.
On her first day back on air at The Edge since she cancelled her book tour last month, Jay-Jay talked about the impact her illness has had on her since she was a child.
She told listeners that her depression was triggered by her “rough childhood”, which included moving schools numerous times, being sexually abused and witnessing her mother being the victim of violence.
Before she took to the airwaves, The Edge morning show radio host, who has been recovering from depression, told fans via social media of her planned return and that she was doing well.
She wrote: “I am super excited to be going back on air Monday at 6am! I am feeling a lot better and I really missed being on The Edge. Thank you again for your thoughtful, encouraging messages over the last month. I have been quite overwhelmed with love from you and I consider myself very lucky.”
Jay-Jay also reached out to those who might also be suffering, offering empathetic words of encouragement and support.
“I hope that if you are currently standing under a dark cloud, that you will take a break and re-evaluate. Make some changes, make some new goals, accept love and support from your closest friends and family. The sun will come out eventually!!”
Following Jay-Jay’s breakdown at work last month, her husband and co-host Dom Harvey revealed the radio host had suffered from depression in the past.
“She is a sufferer of depression but in all our years together, I’ve never seen her have one as bad as what this one was and is,” he said.
News of her return to her radio show has been warmly met on social media, with many of her followers commenting her outspokenness had helped them feel less alone.
Where to get help:
• Lifeline – 0800 543 354
• Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757
• Healthline – 0800 611 116
• Samaritans – 0800 726 666
• Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).
• Youthline – 0800 376 633. You can also text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email [email protected].
