Kate Ritchie has revealed she will be taking a break from her Nova breakfast show to focus on her mental health. The former Home and Away star made the announcement after the Daily Mail shared paparazzi photos of her appearing anguished last week. The distressing images showed Ritchie breaking down in tears in a park after receiving troubling news, prompting her to address her mental health struggles publicly.
Taking to Instagram, Ritchie shared, "I struggle with mental health issues at times, which are deeply personal. This has proven to be a bigger challenge than I imagined." Expressing gratitude for the support she has received, she added, "So, I have decided to take a break from the show and the team who I love, to focus on my health. I want to thank all of those who are helping me through this very difficult time. I love you. Thank you Nova for being there when I need you."
Ritchie’s announcement has reignited conversation around the negative impact of paparazzi on celebrities, particularly when they are vulnerable. She pointed out, "This is also a problem many others are struggling with. They know what it's like. The images of me taken last week show I wasn't okay on this day." She went on to lament the relentless harassment from the paparazzi, stating, "Due to their constant stalking, they significantly add pressure and make my recovery much more difficult."
Ritchie also posed poignant questions about empathy for her condition, asking whether those profiting from invading her privacy would treat their own family members the same way. "Please reconsider and stop and think of the harm you are inflicting, and give me the space and privacy I need," she urged.
The public and her friends have rallied around Ritchie during this difficult time. Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald, her co-host, offered support through social media, stating, "Love you Kate. Always here." Lisa Wippa, the wife of Wippa, echoed these sentiments, highlighting Ritchie's bravery and strength, asserting, "You will be helping so many other people suffering with mental health. You’re brave and strong and will get through this hard time. We're here for you every step of the way."
Star Natalie Bassingthwaighte also reached out, saying, "You hold your head high. No one should be invading your privacy ever. You’ve got this. Know you are loved. Hang in there. One day at a time. Take the time you need to heal." Many other followers expressed outrage at the paparazzi’s invasiveness, with voices across social media emphasizing the need for compassion and respect for Ritchie’s privacy.
This isn't the first time Ritchie has faced similar challenges. Last year, she took time off from her radio duties after the Daily Mail published photographs of her entering and leaving a mental health clinic, where she had sought professional help amid the turbulence of her personal life. At the time, she described 2022 as “incredibly emotionally challenging,” leading to what she termed “an unhealthy reliance on alcohol.” "I decided to use this time to do something positive by getting the help I need from professionals who specialise in this area," she said.
Ritchie’s startling appearance recently followed reports of her driving erratically and visiting a bottle shop, which raised concerns among her fans and the media. Witnesses reported seeing her distressed, crying, and struggling to regain composure after receiving upsetting news during the school run. At one point, she was seen rocking back and forth and wiping tears from her eyes, confirming her emotional struggle.
Her agent and fellow managers have been seen visiting Ritchie's home, underscoring the magnitude of the situation and the concern shared by those around her. Ritchie’s absence from the radio has raised alarms among Nova executives as well, particularly because of her significant role on the show and her popularity as audiences found her relatable and engaging.
Despite Fitzy and Wippa promising her return to the air soon, her health remains the priority, and Nova has reiterated their support for Ritchie as she prioritizes her well-being. They stated, "Kate has our full support as she prioritises her health during this time." With increased chatter surrounding her future on the show and the heightened scrutiny of her personal life, Ritchie’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by public figures, especially concerning mental health and privacy intrusion.
Ritchie is also set to appear as the host of ABC's upcoming parenting special, The Role of a Lifetime, but for now, her fans await her return and hope for her healing. The overwhelming support she is receiving highlights the importance of community and empathy during personal crises, with many rallying around her and advocating against the exploitation of mental health struggles by paparazzi and media outlets.