Fighting the 'black dog' of depression

“I knew back then the way I thought and acted was different to the way other people did, and it only got worse once I became a teenager and started high school,” he said.

Mr Skinner said his actions became more noticeable as he tried to measure up to peer pressure.

Keeping his struggles secret, Mr Skinner found relief in sport and drama classes.

“I felt my personality was free while playing sport and I could freely become someone else in drama class,” he said.

“For me it was a form of therapy.”

As the disorder continued to progress so too did the secrets and frustration.

“I spent a lot of time pretending to be someone else throughout my school years and I never spent too much time with an individual group out of fear they would find out my secrets,” Mr Skinner said.

“I became two people and was forced to accept that other person.

“As long as I knew when that person was coming, I knew I would be okay.”

It was not until the age of 19 that Mr Skinner sought professional advice and was diagnosed with depression.

“I still hadn’t spoken to anyone about it, and without outside support I ignored doctors' advice and continued on day by day,” he said.

Mr Skinner described his early 20s as just surviving and being unhappy.

“I had a marriage breakdown and at age 28 I decided I would have to figure it out because I couldn’t handle the pain of the lows and I couldn’t not understand any longer,” he said.

Meeting with a doctor in Melbourne, Mr Skinner said he was surprised when his own symptoms were described to him.

“I didn’t know about bipolar and a lot of people aren’t aware of the different types,” he said.

Bipolar type two is characterised by cycles of depressive episodes followed by hypomanic periods.

“It explained my actions and frustrations from people around me because I could be annoying but never violent,” Mr Skinner said.

From that point on Mr Skinner decided he wanted to share his story and “change the world”.

“It didn’t happen overnight, and I still have my ups and downs, but the support I get while volunteering for the Black Dog Institute is amazing,” he said.

“They keep me on track.”

Mr Skinner said by finally speaking out about the disorder he was able to help others who are suffering.

Throughout October Mr Skinner is traveling with The Personnel Group, providing a series of information sessions across Victoria.

“Sharing my story helps employers know what to look out for and how to approach someone with mental illness,” he said.

Mr Skinner said talking about mental health was the first step, but Australia needs to take action.

“We need to be talking about mental health every day, every week to provide positive and empowering messages,” he said.

“Start those conversations and get people living their lives, rather than living without a future plan.”