Last year one of Colin Fassnidge’s closest friends Chef Jeremy Strode tragically took his own life at the age of 53.
And speaking about the experience on Monday, the My Kitchen Rules judge revealed he too experienced a similar state of mind.
Opening up to TV Week, the 44-year-old spoke about the ‘tough times’ over the past few years and how he’s since learnt how to cope with feelings of depression.
His truth: On Monday, Colin Fassnidge opened up about suffering from depression while speaking about his friend Chef Jeremy Strode’s suicide
‘Yeah, I’ve had tough times,’ said the father of two.
‘There have been times when you’ve had awards [restaurants ratings] taken off you, or your business isn’t doing well. But I always tried to find the positives. That’s not always easy though.’
Recalling how down he would become after reading negative comments about himself online, Colin said he would turn to daily exercise and technology free days to de-stress.
Struggles with depression: ‘Yeah, I’ve had tough times,’ revealed the father-of-two
Taking the appropriate measures: Recalling how down he would become after reading negative comments about himself online, Colin revealed he now turns to daily exercise and technology free days to destress
‘I’ll leave my phone at home and go for a [motorbike] ride through the [local] national park or something. It’s my favourite thing to do,’ he shared.
Adding that depression and anxiety are quite common for chefs due to the ‘long hours, pressure and isolation’ the job entails, last year saw one of Sydney’s big chefs Jeremy Strode take his own life.
Leaving behind his wife Jane and three children, Jeremy was also an ambassador for the R U OK? charity and held annual dinners to raise money for suicide prevention.
Became too much: Last year, chef Jeremy Strode took his own life and left behind his wife Jane and three children
‘Jezza, I cried myself to sleep knowing you, my dear friend, would never read this and tell me to “shut up” as you give me one of the warm hugs you always greeted me with,’ wrote Colin in a tribute to Jeremy last year for Good Food.
‘A little piece of me has gone with you. I am blessed to have had you in my life. Farewell my beautiful friend,’ he continued.
On March 27the My Kitchen Rules judge is set to join forces with some of the country’s best known chefs to raise funds for Jeremy’s wife and their sons.
If you or anyone you know needs help contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or R U OK?
Joining forces: Tuesday March 27, the My Kitchen Rules judge is set to join forces with some of the country’s best known chefs to raise funds for Jeremy’s wife and their sons