The Edge radio host Dom Harvey has given fans an update on his absent wife Jay-Jay's condition since she left the show last week due to depression.
She is taking stronger medication and trying to exercise more while taking an unspecified period off work to get better.
"Jay-Jay had one of these breakdowns, which she's had before, as a sufferer of depression," Dom explained about her abrupt exit from the show on October 27.
"But in all our years together, I've never seen her have one as bad as this one was, and is. Since then, there's been a lot of well-wishers wondering how she is. There's been a lot of sleeping and a lot of spontaneous crying. Actually, yesterday was the first day that she didn't cry, which is good."
Dom said that Jay-Jay has been having a lot of alone time, not wanting to see anyone or do anything, despite having a lot of offers of company from friends and family.
"She's been to the doctor, she was already on anti-depressants... 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, the Black Dog," he said.
"She's slowly getting better but it's going to be a really long process."
Making the emotional update on the Jay-Jay, Dom & Randell show on Wednesday morning, Dom gave a vivid description of what Jay-Jay's last few days have been like.
"Every little decision - from whether or not to have a shower when you get out of bed, to what to wear, what to eat - it feels like it takes a lot of her energy to make these decisions," he said.
"The doctor said - and I've been hamming on about it for years - she's got to get some exercise and some fresh air. She says she just doesn't have time for that - but Obama has time to exercise!"
Co-host Clinton Randell said he texted Jay-Jay offering help and read out a reply explaining how she felt: "Imagine feeling completely exhausted and you can't think straight or have the energy to do anything, and you feel like crying for no reason.
"That's kind of what depression feels like. I have it constantly."
In terms of Jay-Jay's return to the airwaves, Dom said she "might be back before Christmas, we just don't know".
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). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
• Youthline – 0800 376 633. You can also text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email talk@youthline.co.nz.
• Your local Rural Support Trust – 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP).
Dom also recommended anyone suffering depression should read John Kirwan's book All Blacks Don't Cry.
Newshub.
