Bowling over the black dog

Mr Vesty has recently delivered several speaking sessions to cricket clubs along the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula, and will soon be branching out to businesses too.

He has battled with anxiety and depression for about 30 years. Rather than be bitter about what he has endured, he is instead using his experience to help others, as he says his struggles enable him to teach others about dealing with mental illness.

“I’m 45 years old and have been suffering with depression since I was 15. I talk about my story, what I’ve been through, what I’ve dealt with and how I’ve come out the other side to the place where I am now.

“I’m now in a great head-space, the best I’ve ever been in and I want to use my story to help others and educate if I can.”

Mr Vesty is honest about suicidal thoughts and how mental illness can affect relationships.

He said being able to overcome the stigma around mental illness and talk about problems was the first step to resolving them.

“Opening up and asking for help is the first step.

“If I can reach one person to say, ‘I need help,’ then all the talks will be worthwhile.”

Despite having only recently started, word of mouth has ensured interest in his sessions has grown quickly. He is giving talks at different cricket clubs every week in November and then into December.

He is now looking to broaden his reach, and was recently approached by Barwon Water to give one of his talks at Black Rock Water Facility.

Mr Vesty is speaking at Wallington Cricket Club at 7pm tonight (Thursday, November 14). Next Thursday he is presenting to Anglesea Cricket Club at 7.30pm, while also having sessions at Barrabool Cricket Club and Drysdale Cricket Club at 7pm on November 28 and December 5 respectively.

Everyone is welcome to attend these talks, regardless of whether they have a connection to the club or not.

For more information on Mr Vesty’s talks, search “Battling the Black Dog – Facing Your Demons” on Facebook or email [email protected].