Former Australian Idol star Rob Mills discusses his struggles with mental health issues – and hopes to break the stigma of seeking professional help
Rob Mills and Casey Donovan found fame on Australian Idol both at young ages.
And while singing on national TV gave immediate fame, it also gave rise to their successful careers and a platform to discuss important topics, including the upcoming R U OK? Day.
On Saturday, the pair discussed with Stellar their respective struggles with mental health and their hopes to break the stigma of seeing a psychologists or counsellor.
Struggles: Australian Idol alumni Rob Mills (pictured) has discussed his struggles with mental health issues and hopes to break the stigma of seeking professional help in this week’s Stellar
‘It’s as important as going to see a physio for a sore hamstring. It’s exactly the same thing in my mind,’ Rob, 39, said.
He explained that throughout his early twenties he struggled with feelings of sadness and lack of self-worth following the height of his Idol journey.
Meanwhile Casey, 33, who has previously spoken about coping with anxiety and depression, said that sharing her journey is a perfect fit with the R U OK? campaign.
Tough: Fellow Idol star Casey Donovan (pictured) has previously spoken about coping with anxiety and depression. She said sharing her journey is a perfect fit with the R U OK? campaign
Rob noted that everyone mental health journey was different: ‘You should never compare struggling. Everyone struggles on different levels.’
Casey agreed: ‘As someone said: we’re all in the same storm, but we’re in different boats.’
Since starring on the first season of Australian Idol, Rob has gone on to find fame in the musical theatre circuit starring in local productions of Wicked, Grease and Legally Blonde.
Everyone is different: saying: ‘It’s as important as going to see a physio for a sore hamstring. It’s exactly the same thing in my mind’ Rob said. He noted that everyone mental health journey was different: ‘You should never compare struggling. Everyone struggles on different levels’
All in this together: Casey agreed, ‘As someone said: we’re all in the same storm, but we’re in different boats’
He has ventured into acting with a stint on Neighbours from 2017 until March of this year.
After winning season two of Idol, Casey released an album and EPs before eventually finding musical theatre as well, starring in Chicago, We Will Rock You and The Sapphires.
She has acted, recently starring in How To Stay Married, and won season three of I’m a Celebrity.
Read more: In this week’s issue of Stellar Magazine