The Block’s Darren Jolly reveals his mental health struggles that left him contemplating suicide

The Block’s Darren Jolly has described the harrowing mental health struggles he has faced since suffering a brain tumour in 2015.

Speaking at Collingwood’s annual general meeting on Wednesday, the ex-footy star revealed he had contemplated suicide following a series of business troubles and the breakdown of his marriage.

‘Everyone is probably wondering what I’ve been up to in this last seven years, certainly [since] when I finished footy back in 2013,’ the father-of-two began his speech. 

‘There’s been some highlights,’ Darren continued, before listing off his two appearances on The Block (one of which he won), gaining his full builder’s licence, starting a building business and buying a home.  

The former Magpies player then revealed the ‘extremely difficult challenges’ that he has faced since having a brain tumour removed five years ago. 

‘Having A Current Affair completely defame my new building business just as I was getting started over a build I did in Kew,’ he said. ‘Having everything I’ve ever made in footy and after footy invested in a two-and-a-half year legal battle due to clients I built for not paying.’ 

Candid: Speaking at Collingwood’s annual general meeting on Wednesday, the ex-footy star revealed he had contemplated suicide following a series of business troubles and the breakdown of his marriage. Pictured with his ex-wife, Deanne, on The Block

He added: ‘Spending three weeks in a mental facility to deal with depression. Leaving my 15-year marriage because I fell out of love and wanted a happier life.’  

Darren and his ex-wife, Deanne, announced their split in September 2019. 

At the time, Deanna claimed she was ‘devastated’ by the separation and had been ‘blindsided’ by her ex-husband. 

‘I fell out of love and wanted a happier life’: Darren and Deanne announced their split in September last year. Pictured together at the 58th Logie Awards in Melbourne on May 8, 2016

Darren said his mental health became so bad that he ‘almost did something stupid and ended [his] life’. 

‘Everything was too much to handle and I lost control. I lost my drive to keep going, I lost my purpose in life, I lost my direction and I lost my path. I thought it was easier just to go,’ he confessed.   

Darren finally got help by admitting himself into hospital, something he now believes was the ‘best thing [he] could have done’. 

Ordeal: The former Magpies player revealed he has faced ‘extremely difficult challenges’ since having a brain tumour removed five years ago. Pictured on A Current Affair in 2015

Suicidal: Darren said his mental health became so bad that he ‘almost did something stupid and ended [his] life’. Pictured playing for the Sydney Swans on June 4, 2005 in Melbourne

The retired sportsman said his mental health has improved greatly since his time in hospital, and he hopes that talking publicly about his struggles will inspire others to ask for help.

‘I’m taking each day as it comes and continuing to work towards a happier and more fulfilling life. I know one day I’ll get to see my girls. I pray that’s sooner rather than later. I will get through this and be a better man for it,’ he concluded.    

For confidential support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636

‘I know one day I’ll get to see my girls’: The retired sportsman ended his speech on an optimistic note, saying his mental health has improved greatly since being hospitalised. Pictured with Deanne and their daughters on January 20, 2017