Yahoo News MAFS star Domenica Calarco reflects on her mental health facility experience
Married At First Sight Australia star Domenica Calarco has reflected on her time spent at a mental health facility.
In May, Domenica announced that she had decided to enter a mental health retreat after her mental health battles left her feeling "emotionally, physically and psychologically drained."
In an interview with Australia's 9Entertainment, the MAFS star opened up about spending 21 days in the mental health ward, saying she wants to use her voice to help others.
Related: MAFS UK star rushed to hospital over injury
"When I went offline and did the 21 days in the mental health ward, I knew coming back online, it was going to be difficult," Domenica said.
Detailing "the outpouring of support" she received, Domenica likened her online community to the group therapy she underwent during her stay in the hospital, saying: "This feels like a version of group therapy that I've created online."
"It was the hardest but the best thing I've ever done," she said about her experience. "It was a voluntary admission, so I could have walked out any time. It was hard.
"Every day was uncovering new trauma and going through new pain, but by the end of it, I had all of these new tools I could take home with me and continue to use."
Related: MAFS star Mel Schilling teases "exciting" career move
She continued: "Now that I get to share that with people who maybe don't have access to [checking into] a ward, or give people tips and tricks to help themselves on a daily basis – it's really important to me and what I'm really passionate about moving forward.
"People say I'm brave being able to share my story, but actually, the people that are giving me that space to be open and honest are the brave ones."
The reality star, who recently parted ways with bff Ella Ding, concluded: "The stigma with mental health is getting better, but I still think we have a long way to go. But being able to help someone when they say, 'I'm not coping' is so important. I don't think we're there yet."
Married at First Sight UK airs on E4 in the UK. Married at First Sight Australia airs on Nine Network in Australia and E4 in the UK.
Interested in talking about Married at First Sight? Visit our dedicated sub-forum
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, organisations who can offer support include the NHS, Samaritans on 116 123 or Mind on 0300 123 3393. Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov.
You Might Also Like
