Many of us are familiar with actor and singer Rob Mills from his appearances in TV and stage productions over the past two decades, but amid his busy schedule he also finds time to be an ambassador for harm prevention charity, R U OK?.
WATCH: Rob Mills discusses mental health battle after Australian Idol
Mills spoke to WHO during a break in his current rehearsal schedule, for musical Hairspray, about his own mental health journey and how important it is to check in with friends.
“I suffered a panic attack many years ago after Australian Idol. I think it came from a bit of substance abuse, drinking and stuff,” he shares.
“It was probably at a time where I really didn’t know who I was as a person, and I hadn’t really done any self-exploration. I had a lot of self-confidence, but not a lot of self-worth.”
Since then, Mills has been on a journey to take “stock of what it is that I want in life” and understand “who the person is I want to be”.
Booking in monthly visits with a mental health professional, spending time both alone and with friends, plus throwing himself into reading “beautiful fiction stories”, Mills is finally in a good place.
During the 2020 lockdown, the musical theatre performer took a course in mental health support to become more “aware of how to help people” and to learn about the “importance of being vulnerable”.
He also threw himself into writing his book, Putting on a Show. Part memoir, part self-help tome, Mills explores what it means to be an Aussie bloke these days.
“It’s about masculinity, manhood and mateship,” he said. “I interviewed some lovely people that I have looked up to and admired throughout my journey.”
He continues: “It explores the things I’ve learned through my work with R U OK? and the chats I’ve had with experts. It’s spurred me to go a bit deeper – and if that helps other people then that’s great.”
Mills, 40, recognises that many people’s mental health – not just his own – has been affected by the pandemic and is grateful for the support of his parents and brothers through an isolating time.
“It was quite difficult over the past few years to maintain friendships,” he said. “Ninety per cent of us are social creatures. We thrive in community.
“Whether it’s an adventure, a talk or a walk, or a trip to the beach, they’re the real connections that we need. Even if we don’t realise it, we definitely do.”
WATCH: Rob Mills’ coronavirus ‘Miss Vanity’ cover
Mills has been working with R U OK? for almost a decade, but one of his favourite initiatives from the organisation is the ‘KitKat Have a Chat’ campaign.
The program encourages people to lend support online to people in their world who may be struggling.
It also highlights the importance of opening up the conversation around mental health.
“Remember that everyone has felt down at some point in time,” Mills says. “We are human beings.”
These days, thanks to learning what works for him, Mills says he’s mostly on top of his mental health issues.
“As far as my anxiety goes, it’s very minimal these days,” he tells WHO.
“I’m quite comfortable with who I am. I’ve got a really loving partner, some great friends and an excellent family – but that didn’t just happen. That came from years of work.”
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is always available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website.
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