Jake Edwards revealed he once attempted suicide during an emotionally raw confession on Thursday’s episode of Married At First Sight.
The 32-year-old former footballer spoke about his battle with mental illness during a romantic picnic with bride Rebecca Zemek.
‘During my AFL career, two years into my career, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety,’ he began.
Opening up: Jake Edwards (pictured) revealed he once attempted suicide during an emotionally raw confession on Thursday’s episode of Married At First Sight
‘Away from the game, I was extremely broken, but when I was training and playing, I had to put on this facade, to be a certain person.
‘At the time, I didn’t realise what that was doing, but it was actually ripping Jake Edwards away from who he was growing up.
‘About four years to the day after playing AFL footy, I attempted my life one morning in my bathroom after a four-day bender on drugs and alcohol.
Candid conversation: The 32-year-old former footballer spoke about his battle with mental illness during a romantic picnic with bride Rebecca Zemek (right)
‘As it failed, my phone started ringing, and I looked at the screen and it was my dad. Mum and Dad came in and picked me up and took me home, and so I had a second chance at life.’
Jake said he started his charity, Outside the Locker Room, after that experience ‘because I just don’t want people to be where I have been and go through that’.
Jake told Bec, 27, his story in the hope of establishing a stronger emotional connection with his new ‘wife’.
‘During my AFL career, two years into my career, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety,’ he began
‘I’m all about trying to make things work, so I’m willing to put myself out there and be raw and be vulnerable,’ he told the show’s producers.
Jake told his bride that while his confession may be a lot to take in at once, he wanted to share his story because he felt that she needed to know.
A teary Bec, who appeared to be moved by Jake’s shock confession, replied: ‘I have lost family and friends to successful suicide attempts.’
Understanding: A teary Bec, who appeared to be moved by Jake’s shock confession, replied: ‘I have lost family and friends to successful suicide attempts’
Opening up about her past, Bec said: ‘When I was young, I lost my aunty and it absolutely tore my family apart to a stage where we’ve still never recovered.’
Jake replied: ‘I can feel your pain. Because I as well, I’ve lost close friends to it.’
He then said he was proud of his bride for having the courage to share her story with him.
‘When I was young, I lost my aunty and it absolutely tore my family apart to a stage where we’ve still never recovered,’ said Bec
Jake was a star on the rise when he abruptly abandoned his promising football career with Carlton Football Club after one poor game.
He decided to drive home to his parents’ farm, calling Carlton management on the way to tell them he was quitting the sport.
What he had kept from his coaches and teammates was that he was going through a daily struggle that included insomnia and loneliness, and he didn’t know how to ask for help.
‘Away from the game, I was extremely broken, but when I was training and playing, I had to put on this facade, to be a certain person,’ he confessed
‘I did what every typical young male does and just closed off. I didn’t want to talk about it, I didn’t want people to know about it. I eventually had a meltdown and went to see Mum and Dad. I just couldn’t get out of bed,’ he told QWeekend.
Jake said he was angry and confused because he didn’t understand why he was going through a mental health crisis.
His poor mental health resulted in him drinking and using drugs to self-medicate, and he eventually tried to take his own life after a four-day binge.
Past: Jake was a star on the rise when he abruptly abandoned his promising football career with Carlton Football Club after one poor game. Pictured during a training session in November 2007
‘I thought it was the right thing to do at the time, that my family could move on and friends could stop worrying about me. But what I know now is everything I was saying to myself at that time was all fabricated,’ he said.
He now runs his own not-for-profit organisation, Outside the Locker Room, which promotes positive mental health in sports clubs and schools.
For confidential support call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
‘As it failed, my phone started ringing, and I looked at the screen and it was my dad. Mum and Dad came in and picked me up and took me home, and so I had a second chance at life,’ he said. Pictured at his wedding with Bec