Former The Block winner Norm Hogan has shared that he is seeking mental health treatment due to sexual abuse he experienced as a child.
Norm – who won the home reno reality show alongside his partner Jess Eva in 2018 – bravely shared the news on Instagram after more than a year away from the platform.
“Hi all Norm here. I’m not posting this for sympathy at all. I am writing this as a lot of people have been asking where I have been and I feel that now is the time to talk,” he began the post.
View this post on Instagram
“I have been to a mental hospital for 3 weeks to sort my shit out. I was sexually abused as a kid at school. I haven’t spoken about it because I was stupidly embarrassed or thought there was something wrong with me,” he continued.
“The reason I am writing this is that it might actually help others to seek help, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.”
Norm explained that his mental health had an affect on he relationship with Jess, but they stuck together and worked through it.
“The shit I have put Jess through the last 12 months is disgusting and has had a major effect on our relationship. She has stood by me as my best mate and been my rock and I’m so grateful. I am trying to fix what I’ve put her through but we are side by side doing it together.
“I just want everyone to know that it is not weak, don’t be embarrassed to talk about shit that has happened to you or how you are feeling. Sometimes love and friendship is about having hard conversations that we don’t want to hear. It’s not about just the good times it’s about your partner not excepting that you can live a life of anxiety and depression and fighting for your happiness when ya don’t know what happiness is. And that was the hardest part to accept. If you’re a partner don’t give up on us but be firm and don’t put up with being mistreated. If you’re a victim SPEAK UP AND BE HEARD.”
The couple won $209,000 on their season of The Block but Jess, who worked as a radio host, told Triple M’s Moonman in the Morning that they spent all of their winnings within two years.
“You have blown reality show money,” Jess’ co-host Chris Page said. “How much did you win on The Block? ‘Cause it’s all gone, isn’t it?”
“It’s all gone,” Jess replied. “$209,000 we won on The Block.”
Love Film & TV?
Get the latest Film & TV news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
Subscribe to Rolling Stone magazine
Subscribe to Rolling Stone magazine
