Norm Hogan reveals personal health update in poignant message encouraging others to speak out
Former The Block winner Norm Hogan has revealed the devastating reason he needed to step away from the public eye.
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Former The Block winner Norm Hogan has shared a personal health update with fans following an extended period of absence from the public eye.
The 44-year-old partner of fellow winner, Jess Eva, revealed on Sunday he had been seeking mental health treatment for the past three weeks in connection to issues relating to childhood sexual abuse.
Hogan said he hadn’t previously spoken out about his past as he felt embarrassed “or thought there was something wrong with me”.
He said he felt compelled to share his experience because by doing so, he thought he could help others to reach out for support.
“The reason I am writing this is that it might actually help others to seek help, YOU ARE NOT ALONE,” he wrote.
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Hogan also paid tribute to Eva, who he said had also been affected as a result of his traumatic experience.
“She has stood by me as me 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,” he wrote.
He encouraged others to not be scared to speak if they were struggling with their mental health.
“I just want everyone to know that it is not weak, don’t be embarrassed to talk about sh** 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,” he wrote.
“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.”
Eva commended Hogan’s bravery in sharing his experience, saying she was “so proud” of him.
“You’ve done the hard work, you’ve lived through the trauma. This is your time to regain your power,” she wrote in a post of her own.
“To those that are suffering in silence, we are listening! To those that think there’s no hope there is. You aren’t suffering alone.”
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Originally published as Norm Hogan reveals personal health update in poignant message encouraging others to speak out