Dave Bashford’s emotional essay about girlfriend Sam Frost

Dave Bashford has opened up about his girlfriend’s battle with depression and anxiety, admitting it has been “challenging” at times.

Sam Frost’s boyfriend has penned an emotional essay for the Home And Away star, describing his experience with her mental health battles.

In a post shared on her website Believe, Frost explained that she’d asked Dave Bashford, whom she’s been dating since 2017, to share his perspective on having a partner who suffers from depression and anxiety.

“I asked Dave to write down what it is like to be with someone who suffers from the silent disease, in hope to help others who may be trying to support a loved one as well,” the 30-year-old former Bachelorette star explained.

Frost has been dating Bashford since 2017. Picture: Instagram

Bashford, 27, wrote that “reassurance” had become a “key part of life” for him, and that living with a partner who suffers from mental illness was “challenging”.

“Some of the signs your partner is struggling with mental illness are; short tempered, irrational, emotional, distant and unmotivated,” he said.

“ … I know I can’t make the pain or sadness go away. All I can tell her is how much I love her, and remind her that everything is going to be OK.

“ … When Sam is struggling I am always there for her, I don’t ever get upset or angry … If her anxiety or depression gets in the way of something we had planned, which happens sometimes, I reassure her that everything is OK and whatever the problem is, we can work through it together.”

Bashford also added a personal note directly to his girlfriend.

“Seeing you grow from a beautiful, caring yet fragile girl into a fierce, strong, gorgeous woman has been so special,” he wrote.

“I’m very proud of you. How far you have come in your personal and professional life is inspirational. My life is forever better with you in it.”

Frost launched the Believe By Sam Frost website last year in a bid to create a support network for people struggling with their mental health.

She created the website with her sister, Kristine Ross. Picture supplied

The former reality TV star explained that she was inspired to create the initiative amid her own personal struggles with “depression, anxiety and relationship breakdowns” while in the public eye.

If you or anyone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636. In an emergency, call triple-0.