Sam Frost has spoken publicly about her mental health struggles for many years but now her boyfriend Dave Bashford, has penned a sweet essay detailing what it’s like to be in a relationship with someone suffering.
The Home and Away star introduced Dave’s post on her website, Believe By Sam Frost revealing that she asked him to write down the reality of dating someone with depression and/or anxiety like herself in a bid to help others experiencing the same issues.
“Reassurace is something that I’ve had to make a key part of my life,” Dave began his post.
“Living with a partner that suffers from mental illness can be challenging. Some of the signs your partner is struggling with mental illness are; short tempered, irrational, emotional, distant and unmotivated. The most important thing that I have learnt throughout my relationship with Sam is that I am not a professional and solving her problems isn’t what I am there for.”
Dave, who has been dating Sam since 2017 went on to say that he will listen and reassure her when times are tough.
“These feelings are very real and can’t be discredited. I know I can’t make the pain or sadness go away. All I can do is tell her how much I love her, and remind her that everything is going to be OK.”
“All I can do is tell her how much I love her, and remind her that everything is going to be OK.”
(Image: Instagram @fro01)Dave went on to say that the two have coping mechanisms set in place. Not only did he research online and read books about mental health to further educate himself, but he’s also learned to notice and understand her triggers to avoid possible breakdowns.
“We work through this together as a team, as well as speaking to her psychologist,” he added.
“When Sam is struggling I am always there for her, I don’t ever get upset or angry at her. 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.”
When Sam is struggling I am always there for her, I don’t ever get upset or angry at her.
(Image: Instagram @fro01)Perhaps the sweetest moment of the entire essay is Dave’s own note to Sam at the very end of the article.
“A note to Sam; seeing you grow from a beautiful, caring yet fragile girl into a fierce, strong, gorgeous woman has been so special. 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,” he concluded his piece.
You can read Dave’s essay in full here.
If you or anyone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website here.
WATCH: Seven powerful celebrity quotes on mental health. Post continues after video…
Sam’s character Jasmine recently tied the knot on Home and Away but for Sam and Dave, they’re in no rush. That said, Sam knows she wants to spend the rest of her life with him.
“It’s a no-brainer for us,” she says of getting married. “Dave and I are in it together forever – it’s just inevitable that it’s going to happen,” she told TV WEEK.
“We’re going to grow old together, which is sick. I’m so excited, because he’s so fun,” she added.
“Sometimes we joke about how weird our kids are going to be. He’s so cool – he’s a beautiful person.”
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