The Block’s Norm reveals toll of childhood trauma: ‘Time to talk’

The Block’s season 14 winner Norm Hogan has opened up about his mental health issues in an effort to spark conversation. In a long post on Instagram, he revealed that had been receiving mental health help for the last three weeks due to past trauma relating to sexual abuse as a child.

He praised his fellow The Block partner Jess Eva, saying that she has been his "rock" during the tough time. Norm admitted that he hasn’t been open about his issues in the past due to being "stupidly embarrassed", but he refuses to do that going forward.

Alongside a photo of the fan-favourite couple, he told fans he wasn’t looking for ‘sympathy’, but instead wanted to help others who are struggling.

“The reason I am writing this is that it might actually help others to seek help, YOU ARE NOT ALONE,” he wrote in the caption.

Norm added that he had treated Jess poorly over the past year, but she has "stood by him" and the couple are navigating through the tough time together.

“She has stood by me as [my] best mate and been my rock and I’m so grateful. I am trying to fix what I’ve put her through but we are side by side doing it together," he wrote.

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“I just want everyone to know that it is not weak, don’t be embarrassed to talk about s**t that has happened to you or how you are feeling. Sometimes love and friendship is about having hard conversations [that] we don’t want to hear."

The star finished by saying that victims need to "speak up and be heard" and to "fight for happiness even when you don’t know what happiness is".

His fellow co-stars were proud of Norm for speaking out, with Luke and Jasmin leaving a poignant comment about his impact.

“Norm, sending you strength as you work through the trauma of your early years and work on rebuilding your life around you. Thank you for having the courage to speak out because you’re right, it might help someone else to take that first step,” the pair wrote.

Jess also shared Norm’s words on her own Instagram account, and told fans how "proud" she is.

“You spoke your truth, that you were so scared to do for so long. I pray your voice will help those that feel voiceless. I hope that your courage to speak out will inspire those to realise there is hope,” she wrote in the caption. The radio host added that "not giving up" on Norm was "easy".

“You’ve done the hard work, you’ve lived through the trauma. This is your time to regain your power. To those that are suffering in silence, we are listening! To those that think there’s no hope, there is. You aren’t suffering alone!”

Mental health support for yourself or a loved one can be found by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978, or the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. For sexual assault and family and domestic violence support you can call 1800respect on 1800 737 732, or for support for survivors of child abuse you can call The Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380

Online support is available via Beyond Blue.

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