After a shock break up and almost a month of social media silence, former Married At First Sight groom Jake Edwards has spoken out in an emotional message to fans.
In a video statement shared on Instagram, Jake, 33, now sporting a beard, spoke about the “extremely difficult” last 10 months he’d endured during and after filming the reality dating show.
“Hey everyone, some of you might have already noticed that recently I’ve taken some time away,” the mental health charity CEO began.
“Through no fault but my own the last 10 months have been extremely difficult. I made some choices in my life that have impacted me personally but also impacted people that I love and care about a lot as well. My mental health got to a point where I needed to step away and that’s what I did.
“One of the toughest things in life is to put your hand up and admit that you need help and I was fortunate enough to be able to come away to a place like this with the full support of my family and friends.”
Jake went on to say: “As hard and as challenging as it’s been and confronting with many tears along the way, it’s changed my life and it’s probably saved my life as well.
“I’ve been able to find some answers which has been really important and I look forward to sharing with you all the positive change for me moving forward and I’ll do that in the future.
“To everyone who’s sent messages it really really means a lot, they do get through to me. To my family and friends I love you all so so much and I’ll be seeing you all again very soon.”
Not long after the finale aired, Jake confirmed he was dating fitness influencer Sophie Guidolin and even though he called her “the best thing that’s ever happened to me” in a chat with WHO last month, it later came out that they had split.
The news was confirmed when a follower asked Sophie directly if she and Jake were still together.
“No, his values & character certainly do not align with my own and I wish him all the best to get the help he needs,” Sophie replied in a now-deleted comment.
Jake’s MAFS bride Beck Zemek later hinted that Sophie reached out to her to discuss their mutual connection.
“I got an unexpected call last night from someone who needed to confide in me,” Beck penned on Instagram last month.
“She has never met me, but we shared a similar experience with someone who we hope we can get the help they need, because although this person hurt us, he deserves support to change his mindset.”
Back when MAFS was airing, Jake spoke candidly to WHO about his mental health and how he spiralled for the four years after her was let go from his AFL team with too much partying.
“I got to a point where I really didn’t want to be here. I attempted suicide but, thankfully, didn’t succeed,” he said.
“The thought of what might have happened still keeps me awake at night though. What helped me – and I’m not fully recovered when it comes to my mental health – was working with psychiatrists and mental health experts. I learned the skills I needed to cope.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 24 at any time of the day, seven days a week for anonymous support and guidance.
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