‘I struggle with mental health’: Kate Ritchie breaks silence

After days off air and concerns and speculation around her health and wellbeing, Nova star and former Home and Away actor Kate Ritchie has broken her silence.

Radio star Kate Ritchie will remain off air as she continues to deal with her mental health struggles.

The popular Nova breakfast presenter has been off air last week with Chrissie Swan to replace her for the time being alongside Nova 96.9s Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli and Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald.

In an Instagram post on Monday morning, Ritchie shared: “I struggle with mental health issues at times, which are deeply personal.

“This has proven to be a bigger challenge than I imagined.

“So I have decided to take a break from the show and the team who I love, to focus on my health.”

Kate Ritchie has been off air for days. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Nova radio has since issued a statement of support for Ritchie

“Kate has our full support as she prioritises her health during this time,” the statement read.

“Chrissie Swan will continue to join Fitzy and Wippa on Nova’s Sydney breakfast show while Kate takes a break.”

Kate Ritchie's Instagram post. Pictures: Supplied

Celebrity friends were quick to rally around Ritchie, 46, who has been in the entertainment industry since childhood.

Ritchie started as an actor on Home and Away playing Sally Fletcher for decades.

The announcement comes days after photos emerged of Ritchie appearing distressed as she spoke on the phone in a park.

“The images of me taken last week show that I wasn’t OK on that day. My struggle is not helped by the relentless stalking of the paparazzi, in fact they are making it much worse,” she wrote.

“Due to their constant harassment, they significantly add pressure and make my recovery that much more difficult.”

Nova breakfast Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald, Kate Ritchie and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Originally published as ‘I struggle with mental health’: Kate Ritchie breaks silence