Radio presenter Jay-Jay Harvey has opened up on why she’s taking time out from her radio show.
The Edge morning show host offered fans some insight into her struggle on her Facebook page, and detailed some of the issues she had been facing.
She wrote: “I don’t want to get all heavy and dramatic, but I am not great. I haven’t been great in a long time, but the stress and pressure I felt was building up, and building up, and building up – until I burst.
“I’m still here! I’m just overwhelmed at the moment and need some space to clear the clutter and redecorate my life. I want to be back into it asap, but I don’t want to rush it this time.
“It’s too common that many people suffer depression, anxiety, stress, or chronic fatigue but hide it because they feel they will be judged. I feel this.
“I just want to say, a sincere THANK YOU for all of your messages, emails, and gifts. I can’t respond to all of them, but I want to. I feel really lucky to have so much support.”
Her co-host and husband, Dom revealed last week that Jay-Jay suffers from depression, and had been recovering at home since her sudden departure from the show last week.
“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.
“She’s been to the doctor, and she was already on some antidepressants … she’s now on some more powerful stuff and she realises that she needs to make some bigger changes to her life to address this thing.”
“She’s slowly getting better,” Dom said, “but it’s going to be a really long process.”
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].
