'I didn't leave the house for months': The Block star opens up on mental health struggles

Are you OK? No, really, are you? 

For many, "I'm fine" has become a default answer to this question, a reliable fallback when you aren't about opening up. 

This Thursday is RUOK? Day, a national day reminding Aussies to check in with others and start meaningful, genuine conversations around mental health.  

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In the latest podcast episode of I Just Can't with SJ & Rach, Sarah-Jane Calleja and Rachel Carr open up about their own personal mental health battles.

"A lot of people who see me think, 'She's so happy' ... but there was once a time I really struggled with my mental health," SJ reveals. 

"I was having panic attacks, I didn't leave the house for almost 12 months."

Listen to the episode here:

Mum of three Rachel jumps in: "As mums, someone says to you, 'Are you OK?' and you say 'I'm fine'. Really, I'm at the point of utterly breaking."

"One thing people don't talk about when you become a mother, and it's been my biggest struggle full stop, is you lose your identity as a person," SJ adds.

"I'm not Sarah-Jane anymore… I'm Sarah-Jane, Cleo's mum."

Mental health impacts everyone in one way or another, so it's vital to speak up and know you're being heard. 

"Psychologists are the bomb… if no one takes anything out of this episode, the one thing I want them to take out of it is talking to someone is amazing," SJ pleads. 

"Don't ever be embarrassed about talking to somebody."

Rachel agrees: "They're also being paid to listen to you, so you don't feel guilty that you're unloading on them". 

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"To be heard, to be accepted, to be seen, to be loved… that's all we need", SJ continues.

If you aren't OK, that's OK. You aren't alone.  

Reach out and start a conversation, because something as simple as talking can save a life. 

If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

Episode a of the podcast I Just Can't with SJ & Rach is available now, so subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.