The Bachelorette’s Jarrod Woodgate reveals he was forced to move to Darwin because his friends in Melbourne weren’t supportive of his mental health
Jarrod Woodgate has revealed he has moved to Darwin to focus on his mental health after discovering his friends in Melbourne were not supportive.
The 36-year-old Bachelorette grad said he had no regrets about switching states and gave reasons for his decision.
“My friends in Melbourne are not overly supportive of my mental health,” he told Yahoo Lifestyle on Thursday, adding that he feels “judged.”
Fresh start: Jarrod Woodgate has revealed he has moved to Darwin to focus on his mental health after discovering his friends in Melbourne were not supportive
“They think because I have such a good life, I’m fine. You look at all the happy snaps on Instagram, but the mental health isn’t visible.
“You can’t see mental health. It’s not like a broken arm or a broken collarbone. It’s deep down and people won’t talk to you about it until they feel comfortable and safe that they won’t be judged.
Based on his own experience, Jarrod said he hopes to be able to help others struggling with their mental health by creating a safe space for them to speak up.
Moving on: In an interview with Yahoo Lifestyle on Thursday, the 36-year-old Bachelorette graduate said he has no regrets about switching statuses and explained his decision
“After what I’ve been through, I want to try to help other people, or at least help them or make them feel like they have an open mind, either with a stranger, a neighbor, a friend — anyone who will listen.” he added.
Jarrod said he “escaped” to Darwin in March 2021 because “everyone is very hypothermic,” and described it as “a great place to focus on mental health.”
He confessed that he “cries more than any other person I know,” adding that people should take what they see on social media lightly.
“My friends in Melbourne are not overly supportive of my sanity,” he admitted, adding that he feels “judged.” Pictured with girlfriend Sam Royce
“You can’t say, ‘Oh they look happy because they’re loved and they’re on vacation.’ Well that morning I could have cried for hours in my room before we left,” he added.
Jarrod has spoken at length about his battle with mental health, revealing he’s been “diagnosed with PTSD, depression, anxiety and trauma.”
He previously served 12 years in the Australian Army before being discharged on medical parole and admitted his time in the military left his body “fried”.
“They think because I have such a good life, I’m fine. You look at all the happy snaps on Instagram but the mental health isn’t visible,” he said of his friends
“It takes its toll, it really does. I mean, I’m 36 years old and I feel like I’m 80, either because of my mind or because of my body. It can’t physically do what it should do as a 36-year-old,” he added.
In November, Jarrod detailed his battle with mental illness in an open letter to his girlfriend Sam Royce on Instagram.
“Thank you for being a supportive friend and a big thank you to those who have experienced or are currently experiencing mental health challenges in life,” he wrote.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health issue, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
“You can’t see mental health. It’s not like a broken arm or a broken collarbone. It’s deep down and people aren’t going to talk to you about it until they feel comfortable and safe that they won’t be judged,” he said