T.J. Holmes Shares Insights on His Mental Health Journey Witnessed by Amy Robach

T J Holmes Says Amy Robach Was a Witness to a 4 Year Deterioration of His Mental Health 228

T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach. Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

T.J. Holmes is opening up about his personal struggles with mental health that he kept hidden for a long time.

During the Tuesday, March 19 episode of the “Amy and T.J.” podcast, the 46-year-old shared, “I have briefly mentioned the mental health challenges I have faced. In 2015, I was diagnosed with moderately severe depression but I chose not to seek help. I didn’t make any changes to my lifestyle, I didn’t take antidepressants, I didn’t go for therapy, I basically did nothing about it for over four years.”

Holmes shared with his coworker-turned-girlfriend, Amy Robach, that she had a front-row seat to witness the struggles he was facing.

He admitted, "I just let it fester, and you were a witness to, like, a four-year deterioration of mine. And you didn’t even realize what was going on."

Robach, aged 51, started working at ABC News in 2012, just two years before Holmes also joined the network. They later coanchored the GMA3 segment of Good Morning America. However, in December 2022, they were suspended when news of their off-camera relationship came to light.

Even though the couple had not broken any company rules, ABC News believed that their relationship was causing issues both internally and externally. ABC News president Kim Godwin explained to staff that the situation had become disruptive. As a result, the two anchors were officially let go in January 2023.

While viewers may not have seen Holmes’ mental health struggles onscreen, Robach knew when her friend was suffering.

T J Holmes Says Amy Robach Was a Witness to a 4 Year Deterioration of His Mental Health 227

On their iHeartRadio podcast, she expressed her concern, saying, "I was worried about you." She noted that he doesn't have a poker face and when he's upset or sad, it's easily noticeable. It's not just his face, but his whole body language changes.

Robach believed that despite seeing a change in Holmes, it was ultimately up to him to take control and make positive changes in his life.

She expressed, "You may want assistance, and I have tried to help, but ultimately, it is up to you to lift yourself up. You are the one who needs to determine how to make changes and improve your situation, whether it be through medication, therapy, or support from friends."

Holmes shared that he is feeling much better now after facing his challenges with the help of professionals and regular exercise. He mentioned that the benefits of running have been positive for him.

Last weekend, he participated in the New York Road Runners’ United Airlines New York City Half Marathon alongside Robach.

Holmes shared that when she finally started facing her struggles, it was almost too late. She recalled how she used to be familiar with the distance needed to walk from downtown to the ABC offices because she spent nights on the streets of New York. There were times when she slept or sat on a bench in midtown, or simply walked around aimlessly because she didn't feel like being at home and didn't have her life together.

Editor's P/S:

T.J. Holmes's candor in sharing his mental health struggles is both admirable and inspiring. It sheds light on the often-hidden reality of depression and its detrimental effects on individuals. Holmes's choice to suppress his condition for years highlights the stigma surrounding mental illness and the reluctance many people feel in seeking help.

Holmes's journey underscores the importance of recognizing the early signs of depression and taking proactive steps to address it. The role of loved ones in providing support and encouragement is equally crucial. Amy Robach's keen observation and concern for Holmes demonstrate the power of empathy and the ability to create a safe space for individuals to confront their challenges. Holmes's recovery serves as a testament to the transformative potential of professional help, lifestyle changes, and the resilience of the human spirit. ultimately, it is up to the individual to take control and make positive changes is crucial, as it emphasizes the importance of self-empowerment and accountability in the recovery process.