Osher Gunsberg opens up about reality TV, mental health and being a stepdad

In a raw and honest chat with Build Series Sydney, Osher Gunsberg opened up about his television career, family life and his long battle with mental health issues.

The 45-year-old, who has written about his experience with mental illness in his book, Back, After The Break, said sharing his story, via the book and his podcast, has been very important to him.

“When I was getting sober, I couldn’t understand what life would be like without alcohol,” he told host Flex Mami, as he confirmed he’s been sober for nine years.

“I couldn’t understand what life would be like without drinking.”

But The Bachelor host saw others who were turning their lives around, and was inspired to try and do the same. And he did.

“I got married again, I’ve got a beautiful step-kid and got another kid on the way, I’ve got a house again, finances back on track,” he said with a smile.

“It’s in sharing our stories and in hearing other stories we feel at least hope that change can happen.”

The title of his book, Back, After The Break, is no accident, and Osher explained the intention behind calling his publication just that.

“When I got quite sick, I went through episodes of psychosis that manifested as paranoid delusions and I was living with both passive and active suicidal ideation. It was very, very tough.” he said

“I made a psychosis pun in the title of my book. I work in television, particularly on live television, when you do a thing called the tease before you go to the commercial [and say back, after the break]... but that’s also the word you use when you have a break with reality, when you have a psychotic break,” he explained.

Having been an Australian Idol and The Bachelor host through his career so far, Osher has met some very interesting people, but there’s one whom he particularly loved interviewing on his podcast.

“I’m really grateful that I was able to have a conversation with my wife,” he revealed, referring to makeup artist Audrey Griffin whom he married in 2017.

“When we started dating I was going through... some suicidal ideation was a part of my day. I was on two kinds of antipsychotics,” he explained.

“When you’re trying to find an emotional connection with someone and your emotions are just basically being crushed right down, and your testosterone is like forget about it, and you’re trying to start a romantic relationship with someone, you can’t light a fire if there’s no matches in the matchbox.

“It was really difficult to start dating.”

In the podcast he and Audrey were able to have a conversation about how she viewed their relationship in the early stages, and there’s no doubt he’s eternally grateful for her consistent support through the ups and downs.

The pair are now expecting a baby together, due in August.

Watch Osher’s full interview with Build Series Sydney above.

If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

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