Survivor NZ host Matt Chisholm has posted an update on social media outlining the positive steps he has taken to improve his mental health, since first revealing in late 2018 that he was seeking help.
“My wife told me I need to do another post,” he began. “I’ve found my life is better when I do what she says… so here’s a mental health update.
“I’ve been to the Doc. I’ve had some decent sleep. I’ve talked to a professional. I’ve had nearly 2 months off work.
“I’ve driven the length of this beautiful country… and back again. I looked at my kids and saw love and joy. I’ve dusted off my old trainers and run… again… and again… and again.
“I’ve all but thrown my phone away… but I’ve started answering it. I’ve talked to so many people. I’ve started living in the present.
“I’ve started telling myself “I’m good enough”. I’ve done all of the things I knew I needed to do, but felt I didn’t have the time and energy to do… and I’ve discovered that more people struggle with their mental health than you can possibly imagine.
“I’m so pleased we live in these, perhaps, more enlightened times.”
Matt received overwhelming support when he made his first public post last year about the issue.
“I promised Greg (Boyed), my old workmate, before he died from depression, I’d go see the doc,” he said at the time. “It’s taken me months, cos of, life, but Greg me ol’ mate, today, I took that first step.”
TV presenter Grey Boyed died suddenly in August last year, prompting a huge public outpouring of grief and generating renewed debate around mental health in the mainstream media.
In this new post Matt acknowledges that he is still grappling with his mental health and is continuing to take measures to improve. He acknowledged that what opening up about his struggle has taught him is that “more people struggle with their mental health than you can possibly imagine.”
Matt’s message has been met with positivity and the comments on his post range from paragraphs of appreciation to a simple “Good stuff bro!!”
“Thank you so much for all your kind messages of support,” Matt concluded. “I read them all… and they were appreciated.
“I feel better than I did, but know there’s still plenty to do. I’m buoyed by knowing there’s so much I can do to help myself… and others.”
Where to get help
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 to talk to a trained Depression Helpline counsellor for free. For other mental health issues, call Lifeline on 0800 543 354, the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 TAUTOKO or Youthline on 0800 376 633.
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