Married At First Sight’s Alyssa Barmonde reveals the truth behind her breakdown during engagement ceremony after Duncan James admitted her expectations of him are ‘troubling’
Married At First Sight’s Alyssa Barmonde has revealed she suffered a panic attack before leaving Sunday night’s engagement ceremony.
The 35-year-old executive assistant was emotional after Duncan James admitted her expectations of him were “worrying”.
An emotional Alyssa finally broke down in tears and left the room.
In a lengthy Instagram post, he revealed that he suffered from anxiety for over 20 years and suffered a panic attack at the time.
“I am sharing this for everyone who can relate, to everyone who panics, who feels scared and sometimes very alone on their journey. Anxiety is something that is part of me, but it is not who I am. Living with an anxiety diagnosis for 20+ years is HARD,” she began.
Married At First Sight’s Alyssa Barmonde revealed the truth behind her meltdown during engagement ceremony after Duncan James admitted her expectations of him are ‘troubling’
“There is a real stigma attached to talking about it openly. It’s something that most people suffer in silence, feeling misunderstood and vulnerable.’
‘When a panic attack hits suddenly, your only thought is your need for survival. For me, I need to be alone so I can focus, get some fresh air, slow down, and breathe.
She continued: ‘Having a couch panic attack is something that happened to me a few times. But this time I wasn’t strong enough to handle it head on. I took time. She walked away. I calme. And she returned to a difficult conversation.
‘I wish I felt better understood sometimes, or could explain how I feel a little better, but don’t we all? Sending all the love I can to anyone who is feeling vulnerable right now.”
During Sunday night’s episode, Alyssa explained that she felt like Duncan wasn’t making her feel like a “priority” during the retreat because he wouldn’t stay in contact with her throughout the day.
In a lengthy Instagram post, he revealed that he has suffered from anxiety for over 20 years and suffered a panic attack at the time.
“We’re in a good place considering that retirement was a bit difficult for us,” he said.
“I didn’t feel like we were the couple we normally are because we don’t spend a lot of time together, which doesn’t make me feel like I’m a priority… Every time I tried to bring up how I felt it was tit for tat.
Relationship expert Alessandra Rampolla asked: ‘Do you think Duncan will be the second priority for your son?
‘Of course not. I know that his son will always be his first priority. It’s not a concern for me. I’m happy to maneuver my lifestyle around Alyssa’s lifestyle. I’ve been pretty open about it,” Duncan responded.
He then explained why he thought Alyssa was upset with him during the retreat.
During Sunday night’s episode, Alyssa explained that she felt like Duncan wasn’t making her feel like she was a “priority” during the retreat because he wouldn’t stay in contact with her throughout the day.
I don’t think Alyssa was upset about [me not contacting her]. It’s a deep seated issue built around being vulnerable and a single mom. [Her expectations] they are definitely a concern,’ he said.
An emotional Alyssa broke down in tears before running out of the room.
Moments later, he returned and said: ‘It’s hard for me to hear that my expectations are too much. I never dated as a single mom.
“I need them to reassure me and search me so that they feel that they are not going to escape,” he explained.
Duncan replied, ‘I’m not going to try it on you. I’m just explaining the things I’m feeling.
I don’t think Alyssa was upset about [me not contacting her]. It’s a deep seated issue built around being vulnerable and a single mother. [Her expectations] they’re definitely a concern,’ she said before an emotional Alyssa burst into tears and left the room.