Married At First Sight’s Domenica Calarco opens up on her heartbreaking mental health struggle: ‘It was a sadness I’d never felt before’

Married At First Sight star Domenica Calarco has courageously written about her experiences in a psychiatric institution.

The 31-year-old former makeup artist opened up about her frightening experiences with depression and anxiety in a candid interview on Today Extra on Monday.

Domenica shared the depth of her struggle and described a moment when she realized she needed more help than her friends and family could offer.

“It was a moment where I was sadder than I had ever felt before,” Domenica said.

“And things that would generally make me happy, like my dog ​​or drinking my morning coffee, those little things couldn’t even get me out of it. I just knew I needed a circuit breaker.”

Calarco admitted that she was in such a dark situation that she didn’t want to be there anymore.

Looking back at where she was four months ago, she expressed disbelief at how far she had come.

“It’s really sad, even when I think back to four months ago, when I… I’m a changed person now.”

The 31-year-old former makeup artist shared her harrowing journey through depression and anxiety in a candid interview on Today Extra on Monday

“I think I still struggle with the anxiety and the depression, like I feel like that’s going to be my journey for a while. But now that I have all these new tools in my toolbox to help me get through it, it’s just, oh my god, it’s amazing.”

Domenica admitted that her life in the spotlight has only added to the pressure, but she has also found solace in the platform that often comes in for criticism.

“People are very quick to judge and say, get off social media, get out of the spotlight,” she explains.

“But wait, this is a career that I’ve chosen and I really enjoy it. And social media has actually been a huge part of my healing.”

“It was a moment where I was just in a sadness that I had never felt before,” Domenica shared. “And things that would normally make me happy, like my dog ​​or drinking my morning coffee, those little things couldn’t even snap me out of it. I just knew I needed a circuit breaker.”

Domenica said group therapy during her stay in the mental health unit was a turning point for her. She now uses her social media platforms as a form of extended group therapy, creating a safe space for her followers to share their struggles.

“I’ve built a great community there and I’m very proud of that,” she said, highlighting the positive aspects of social media in contrast to its often negative reputation.

Looking to the future, Domenica is committed to using her platform to make a difference in mental health care.

Domenica said group therapy during her stay in the mental health unit was a turning point for her and that she now uses her social media platforms as a form of extended group therapy, creating a safe space for her followers to share their struggles.

She admitted how fortunate she was to have access to private health insurance, which allowed her to get the care she needed, but also expressed concern for those who are less privileged.

“When you’ve been in a psychiatric ward and you know how difficult it is to even get in… I think Australia really has a lot to learn when it comes to mental health,” she said.

Domenica also discussed the impact of the crisis on the cost of living and noted how this is exacerbating mental health issues.

She called for more attention to equipping people with the tools to help those in need.

“I really want to work with a good cause… We need to focus on that first aid for mental health,” she urged.

“If your friend, your wife, your sister comes to you and says I’m really not having a hard time, we don’t have the tools to help that person. To triage them.”

As she continues her own healing journey, Domenica wants to continue sharing her story in the hopes that it can help others.

“Just being open and vulnerable… I know it helps so many people. And if sharing my story can help one person, then I’ll just keep doing it.”

For those struggling with mental health, help is available. You can reach Lifeline on 13 11 14