Matty Johnson
The Bachelor star describes himself these days as “extremely open”, often relying on his fiancée Laura Byrne to hear out his problems and tally the toll they may be taking on him emotionally. But it wasn’t always the case.
“I used to feel like I shouldn’t be talking about being upset because I’m not depressed. I’m not at rock bottom so why should I reach out for help?” he says. “It also made me feel like I wasn’t grateful for what I had, like I was weak, like I wasn’t a man. Laura was amazing at being able to spot when there was something on my mind I couldn’t shake. She’s the reason I’ve totally changed my approach to opening up.”
The 32-year-old says speaking up early and facing issues head-on can prevent bigger problems arising down the track. “It shouldn’t be a case of having to wait until you’re at rock bottom to tell someone how you feel,” he says. “We should talk about how we feel so hopefully we never get to rock bottom.”
Guy Sebastian
“When I was growing up, we didn’t talk about mental health in class at school,” tells the singer and father of two sons, Hudson, 8, and Archer, 5. Now more than ever, he says, the discussion needs to be had.
“Our kids are facing realities that we simply didn’t face, as we didn’t grow up like this. We need to prepare them for what is ahead; that is our duty, not only as parents, but as part of the human race.” Opening up is a big part of that.
“There is no shadow that can be cast by honestly expressing yourself and asking for help,” continues Sebastian, 38.
“We all need help. Sometimes it comes in sharing a story, and sometimes it comes with laughter, sometimes it comes with tears. But if we can all find a way to be kind to each other and know that in dark times there is a helping hand, then we have a chance to save someone who might be on the edge.”
Osher Günsberg
The TV presenter has been open about his struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, depression and psychosis. “I face living with a different brain every day,” he says. “For me, the key is being in acceptance of it, and being willing to live with it, but also knowing that I only have to live with it until bedtime today.”
Learning coping strategies is imperative, he adds. “In the vast majority of cases, there is great treatment available that can help you get a fair way back to how you used to feel and, if not, pretty damn close,” says the 45-year-old.
“I’ve got management strategies that I do every day to make sure that I can have a great, joyful, fulfilling fun life for my family and me.”
Rodger Corser
“Life at times can be hard, for everyone,” says the actor and father of four, 47. “Though some suffer more than others, we all know what it’s like to have feelings of self-doubt or hopelessness. From the sporting heroes you thought were invincible to heads of industry to your mate next door, we are all imperfectly human and at times need help.”
The myth of the ‘strong silent type’ is a hurdle that must be overcome, adds Corser. “As men, unfortunately, some of us are conditioned to believe that we can’t ask for the help we need,” he says. “We need to change that belief, talk more and not suffer alone.”
Andrew Tierney (Human Nature)
The boy-bander, 45, has been candid about his struggles with alcohol abuse. “I suffered from anxiety which led to self-medicating with alcohol and then further downhill from there – all before I really admitted I was struggling,” he shares.
A change came when he finally confided in a handful of close friends – though he stresses “you really only need tell one person – it doesn’t have to be the world”.
He continues, “After surrendering to that, it was amazing to see that without even knowing it, I was surrounded by the love and care of people around me who funnily enough weren’t ‘all OK’ either. We don’t have to have it all together, but we do need to have faith that admitting it is the first step to finding solutions and feeling better.”
For more inspirational stories, pick up a copy of Who's Most Beautiful People 2020 Issue, out now.
