Volunteer Bruce Austin and Centre manager Chris Hargreaves hope a free event this month will help people with their mental health. 89648 Picture: DONNA OATES
By LIA SPENCER
ALMOST two years ago, Bruce Austin suffered a mental breakdown.
After getting clinical help and finding mental strength through exercise, the 52-year-old Berwick resident hopes to help others to fight their battle with depression.
Mr Austin is helping the YMCA Casey Arc management co-ordinate a free mental health and wellness evening with professional guest speakers this month.
The event aims to help people who are heading towards a breakdown, going through recovery or wanting to prevent mental illness.
Mr Austin said he knew the importance of mental well-being after going through a difficult time when he was 50.
The father of four was working a demanding job in the building industry and suffered ‘burn-out’ as a result of increased life-pressures.
“I worked for 15 years in my own business without having proper breaks. I knew I was burning the candle at both ends, but I ignored it. I had total mental fatigue and was quite suicidal,” Mr Austin said.
“Eventually, my body just shut down and I couldn’t get up. The paramedics thought I was having a stroke but then found out it was clinical depression.
“I spent some time in psych at the hospital, then came home and was under the care of a supportive family and Southern Health mental services. I then started work on my long journey of recovery. Part of my rehabilitation, apart from seeing a psychologist, was exercising a lot more.”
Mr Austin’s wife and his psychologist encouraged him to join up at the gym and he found a new love for exercise which he credits to the friendly environment Casey ARC whose motto is ‘healthy body, mind and spirit.’
“I was told by my psychologist that vigorous exercise for an hour to an hour and a half a day was the equivalent of taking double the medication I am currently on,” he said.
Mr Austin also started volunteering at the gym, where he works with people with disabilities. He is now pursuing a career in the health and fitness industry.
“I want to help others who are on the same journey,” Mr Austin said.
Mr Austin told Casey Arc manager Chris Hargreaves his story and they, together with Casey Arc’s volunteer co-ordinator Jeremy Orchard, arranged a free event for the community. Keynote speakers will be Dr Monica O’Kelly, the Director of CBT Australia and a senior lecturer at Monash University; Dr Lynn Scoles, a general practitioner and executive coach; and Dr Seaton Charlesworth, who works for Southern Health mental health services.
The event will be held from 7pm until 9pm on 20 November in a relaxed setting at Casey Arc in Narre Warren and is supported by Casey Arc, YMCA, City of Casey and Beyond Blue. Registration is essential for the free event. Refreshments are provided. Register online at www.caseyarc.ymca.org.au or to find out more call 9705 5030.
