Holding tightly onto her boyfriend Jake Holly’s hand, courageous Jessica Marais looked at peace as she stepped out of The Sydney Clinic at Bronte, a rehab facility she checked into three weeks ago to deal with a “number of urgent health issues”.
Jake has been standing by Jess through this trying time.
In the past, Jess, 33, has been open about her personal demons, revealing she has suffered from “bipolar episodes” since she was 12, but she looked happy and healthy as she made her way to a Hillsong meeting with her rumoured fiance Jake.
Jess and Jake were first spotted together in February on their way to Church.
Since then, the pair have been inseparable.
Earlier this year, Jess was spotted wearing a gold band on her wedding finger while hitting the surf with Jake in Sydney’s Coogee.
News of Jess’ decision to return to Bronte’s health facility for a “detox and inner health program” broke last week when she announced she was pulling out of attending the Logies despite being nominated for a Gold Logie and Most Popular Actress, which she later won.
“Jess knows what her triggers are and she’d have recognised the warning signs,” reveals a friend, who says those closest to Jess are proud of her for tackling her issues head-on. “She’s done what’s best for herself, Scout and her family by checking herself into rehab.”
Jess and her fellow 2018 Gold Logie nominees Grant Denyer, Tracey Grimshaw, Amanda Keller and Rodger Corser.
Round-the-clock care
A former patient of the facility tells Woman’s Day the mental health clinic is the best place for Jess, who is now receiving 24/7 specialised care from a team of psychiatrists, psychologists and nursing staff.
“Jess would have undergone a phone assessment and then they’d have decided she needed to be brought in,” tells our source. “From there she’d have a one-on-one appointment with a psychologist who would work out what kind of treatment she needs and whether she should be taking any medication.”
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For the first three days patients don’t have access to a phone, nor are they allowed to leave the clinic, says our source.
“A typical day would be waking up at 6am and going for a walk, then everyone sits down for breakfast at 8am. From 9am there are mindfulness sessions, then group therapy, with a range of subjects – therapy, addictions, mental health, DBT (dialectic behaviour therapy) and many more,” tells our insider.
“After lunch there’s the option to leave the clinic for two hours, but patients are breath-tested when they return. Then there are more sessions and there’s the option to leave the facility again.
“In the evenings most patients are permitted to attend meetings off the premises, with groups that might be relevant to their problems.
“Visitors are allowed pretty much every day and on weekends you can leave for four hours, so you can spend time with a partner or family away from the clinic.”
Jess hanging out with her little girl, Scout.
There’s no doubt Jess would be keen to leave the site to spend time with her six-year-old daughter Scout, who she co-parents with her ex-fiance James Stewart.
“Everyone is hoping and praying Jess gets the help she needs. She seemed like she was in a much better place the past few months, making peace with James and meeting her new man. The fact that she’s taking responsibility for herself is a great sign,” adds a friend.
Looking ahead
Indeed, Jess sounded positive when she posted a message thanking Australia for crowning her Most Popular Actress and congratulating her friend Grant Denyer for winning Gold.
“Your speech moved me to tears. And gives me strength. Courage in the quiet battle… congrats mate,” wrote Jess.
“To everyone who watched, made, and supported Love Child and The Wrong Girl… my eternal gratitude.”
