ONE SNAG at a time!

that's life! is launching Let's Talk - our campaign to encourage more open conversations around mental health and suicide. Here, Terry explains how he overcame his darkest times to build a community - Terry Cornick, 38, Sydney, NSW

- Lisa Brookman

Beating the blues

Here comes Mr Perfect,' my best mate Sam teased me. 'Got the lot lovely girlfriend, nice clothes.'

'Yes, that's me,' I laughed.

If he only knew the truth, I thought.

Ever since I was young, there'd been times where darkness would descend and I'd be tormented by depression and anxiety.

At just 10 years old, I even had suicidal thoughts.

Ashamed, and with no idea how to talk about my depression, I hid it.

Once I'd told a mate after a few drinks. He didn't know how to help, so walked awkwardly away.

After the loss of my father Tony, aged 52, I was consumed by grief.

And the prospect of starting a family with my beautiful fiancée Carolina, then 27, while grappling with depression terrified me.

'I need some help,' I told Carolina, breaking down as we sat in the car in 2014. 

I was frightened she'd leave that she'd think I was a freak.

'Let's get you help from the GP,' Carolina said.

So I bravely opened up.

'How long have you felt like this?' the GP asked.

'As long as I can remember,' I admitted.

Referred to a psychiatrist, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety.

Each session left me mentally and physically exhausted, like I'd run a marathon.

Although I started on it still didn't medication, seem enough.

Walking was my big healer, but I often didn't have the time to do it.

When Carolina was pregnant with our first son, Finn, in 2015, I was desperate to beat the darkness. Reading a report from mental health organisation Beyond Blue about how social connection was crucial in protecting men against depression, it set me thinking.

At the pub soon after with a couple mates, one was chatting about his recent knee surgery.