Mai FM's Tegan: ‘I STRUGGLED TO GET OUT OF BED'

The radio star is healing after bravely opening up about her mental health

- CLOE WILLETTS

While radio fans were falling in love with new Mai FM breakfast host Tegan Yorwarth in early 2020, they didn’t realise the bubbly presenter was masking a major struggle away from the mic.

Tegan – who replaced former station favourite Lily Taurau – was diagnosed with anxiety and depression two months before New Zealand went into lockdown.

But in a brave move that saw audiences cry alongside the chatty Aucklander, Tegan opened up about her battle live on air as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

“It was a weight off my shoulders,” admits Tegan, 24, who is one-third of the popular Mai Morning Crew, alongside Nickson Clark and Jordan River. “I thought if I was going to keep it real and be myself on air, you can’t just have that happy-go-lucky version of me. Yes, that’s a big part of who I am, but if you want that side, you’ve got to have it all.”

Tegan – who tied for Best New Broadcaster at the most recent New Zealand Radio Awards – spoke through tears, explaining to listeners that underneath her outgoing and high-achieving exterior, she’s plagued by anxiety.

Chatting to Woman’s Day, the rising young radio star says her anxiety causes symptoms like overthinking, seeking reassurance, repetitive habits and negative self-talk. During her lowest depressive episodes, Tegan found it hard to even leave bed.