Domenica Calarco reveals how her new skater boyfriend helped her during an ‘extremely difficult period in my life’ after heartbreaking mental health struggle

Married At First Sight’s Domenica Calarco has revealed she’s ‘never been happier’ after announcing her new romance with Sydney skater Jarod Bogunovich.

After sharing a photo of the pair together on Instagram this week, Domenica, 31, spoke candidly about her new relationship during an interview with 9Now.

She explained that Jarod was “the best thing” during “an extremely difficult time in my life.”

“I finally found a man who puts me first and it’s the best feeling in the world,” she said.

Domenica recently shared her heartbreaking mental struggle, which saw her spend 21 days in a psychiatric institution.

She added to the publication that Jarod was by her side during her stay.

“He was a friend to me during my stay in the hospital. He was always checking on me. That meant a lot to me during that extremely difficult time in my life,” she said.

“My life has really changed a lot. The best thing that has come out of this is him.”

Domenica made her new romance with Jarod official this week by sharing a loved-up photo on Instagram.

After being out of the public eye for a few months to focus on her mental health, Domenica looked happier than ever as she posed arm in arm with her new boyfriend.

The couple enjoyed the beautiful backdrop of Bondi’s iconic Icebergs restaurant and looked relaxed and effortlessly stylish for the romantic getaway.

Domenica wore a chic, oversized brown blazer and showed off her toned legs with black stiletto heels, while Jarod kept it casual in a white T-shirt, light blue jeans and white sneakers, with a red sweater draped casually over his shoulders.

The couple were not alone that evening, as one of Domenica’s cousins ​​from Croatia joined them for dinner, making the evening a real family affair.

Although little is known about Jarod, he is no stranger to the local Bondi scene, with well-known comedians such as Chris Lilley and Jesse Noonan following him.

The relaxed skater has clearly caught Domenica’s attention and offers her a fresh start after a few difficult months.

Domenica has been open about her recent struggles with mental health, revealing earlier this year that she was taking some time off to focus on her well-being.

She spoke about 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.”

Domenica 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.”

“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.”

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.

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