Nick Bracks is an actor, model, mental health advocate, TEDx speaker, and fashion designer who has reflected on his personal struggles and is working to change the stigma surrounding mental health. He is an innovative entrepreneur and much-loved media personality who is confronting mental health issues head-on, raising awareness and educating the world on the importance of a healthy mindset. Bracks’ multi-dimensional career took off with a series of international modelling contracts and as an actor on the Australian soap opera “Neighbours”. He has also appeared on two reality TV series, “Dancing with the Stars” and “Celebrity Splash”, and released his own successful underwear label, underBRACKS.
Follow your gut. Run your own race. Don’t compare yourself to others.
Nick bravely opened up about his personal battle with mental health issues during the filming of ‘Dancing with the Stars’, in front of a live audience on national TV. It was one of the most challenging moments of his life, but also the moment he discovered his true career calling. His first-hand experience and long battle with mental illness inspired him to help others and let them know that they are not alone in their struggle with mental health.
After suffering in silence for many years, Nick realised the importance of seeking help and accepting support. His breakthrough came when his loving and supportive mother, Terry, encouraged him to seek professional help. With her support, he started working through his issues and began his recovery process.
The worst thing you can do is nothing, so just do something.
At Heels Agency, we believe in the power of inspiration and positivity, especially during these challenging times. It’s important to support each other both personally and professionally as we navigate through and eventually overcome the impacts of COVID-19. That’s why we love sharing uplifting tips and stories to help us all stay motivated and hopeful. Nick Bracks is a shining example of someone who is making a positive impact in the world, especially in the realm of mental health. His message of seeking help and building a healthy mindset is one that we can all benefit from, and his expertise in this area is invaluable. We believe that having sincere conversations and encouraging one another is crucial to our collective well-being, and Nick is a great example of someone who can help us do just that.
We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Nick Bracks, and we were struck by his genuine and courageous spirit. Nick is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also deeply committed to his purpose, which is to improve the mental health and well-being of others. It was clear to us that he pours his heart and soul into his work, and we were privileged to have the opportunity to speak with him.
Journey
Nick was born in Ballarat and grew up in a supportive and prominent family. Despite outward appearances, he battled internally with anxiety and depression from an early age. His struggles culminated in a series of alcohol-fuelled events that turned his life upside down.
I had this notion I had to prove myself & I just couldn’t escape that way of thinking.
Despite his aspirations to become a professional football player, Nick found himself training relentlessly for up to six hours a day, every day. He was determined to become the best, often putting his body through an extremely rigorous exercise routine that included middle-distance running. However, this intense training routine came with a price. It left him with little time to socialise, make friends, or enjoy life.
If I couldn’t be an athlete there was no point to anything. I didn’t feel like I was enough just being me.
At the end of high school, at the age of 18, Nick’s body gave out after years of intense training, leaving him feeling lost and directionless. He struggled with loneliness and began spiralling downward, which was further amplified by the media attention due to his father’s prominent public profile as the Premier of Victoria, adding to the pressure and stress he was already experiencing.
I didn’t like who I was. In fact, I probably hated myself then. I was overwhelmed but didn’t know how to stop.
Nick’s struggles continued even after the car accident he was involved in at the age of 20 while driving under the influence. The accident resulted in his friend being injured, and Nick was charged. Two years later, he was still struggling with drinking and had dropped out of university, feeling lost and directionless. This led him to hit rock bottom, experiencing some of the most challenging moments of his life.
Drinking helped me forget my problems. It gave me a break from feeling anxious 24/7, allowed me to feel free & confident.
After hitting rock bottom, Nick finally realised that he needed to change his ways. He received the wake-up call he needed and made the difficult but necessary decision to turn his life around. He began seeking professional help and working through his issues to start the recovery process. One of the turning points for Nick was when his loving and supportive mother, Terry, encouraged him to seek professional help. It was a breakthrough moment for Nick and helped him to understand the importance of reaching out and accepting support.
I wasn’t willing to be honest with myself & about my feelings. I wasn’t willing to face reality.
With the support of his mother and family, Nick Bracks finally reached out for help and came to terms with his mental health diagnosis. He decided to turn his life around and has since been working on his body, mind, and soul daily, reflecting on his experiences and speaking out to let people know that they are not alone on their journey.
Really, my whole 20’s was about trying things, failing, learning, & searching for what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, that came with a lot of turmoil.
Nick Bracks has faced and overcome numerous personal and professional difficulties in his life, making him a mentor who is relatable and compassionate. His dedication to assisting others is apparent in all his activities, and he takes the time to reflect on the following highlights and insights from his personal and professional journey while also sharing some advice on how to maintain a positive mindset daily, both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dream… My childhood dream was to become a professional athlete, but it was cut short due to an injury. After going through a period of confusion and feeling lost, I found a new dream that aligned with my passion for mental health. I’m now pursuing an acting career while working towards my goal of making a global impact on mental health.
Fears… I was once riddled with fears, including the fear of failure, being too old, being laughed at, and not having financial security. While I still face many fears, I’ve learned to ignore those that I can’t control and focus solely on what I can control.
Challenges… As someone who used to be terrified of public speaking, I’ve learned that the only way to overcome that fear is to face it head-on. I used to get physically sick before speaking in front of just a few people and feared being judged. But I’ve found that the best solution is to jump in the deep end, face your fears head-on, be prepared to fail, and keep trying until you succeed, no matter how long it takes or how painful it may be.
Presenting… When speaking publicly, it’s important to choose topics that you are knowledgeable and passionate about. Imagine you are talking to a friend and speak in a conversational tone. Don’t worry too much about the audience, instead focus on delivering engaging and informative content. If you’re passionate and confident about what you’re saying, it will come across and connect with your audience.
Entrepreneur… The freedom and meaning behind being an entrepreneur is what I love. I enjoy being able to work on things that I’m passionate about and having the flexibility to pursue my goals daily.
Acting… I didn’t actively pursue a career in the entertainment industry. I stumbled into it through modelling and appearing on several TV shows, which sparked my interest and passion for acting. For me, acting has always been a personal outlet, and the work that comes with it has been a bonus. The same goes for my wellness work. Initially, I was delivering mental health seminars in schools for free, driven purely by a desire to help others and make a positive impact. Over time, it has evolved organically into a passion that has become my life’s work.
Pivoting… It is crucial to be adaptable in today’s fast-paced world. The market will always dictate what they want, and it’s important to be able to remove our ego and make changes quickly in response.
Hindsight… I wouldn’t change anything in my past as it has made me who I am today. I don’t believe in regret, as both the good and the bad experiences shape us and help us learn and grow. My advice to others would be to focus on your goals and not be deterred by setbacks or challenges. Don’t set strict timelines or expectations, just keep moving forward and never give up. And most importantly, never allow regret to consume you. Failure is inevitable, but regret will only hold you back.
Goal… My goal is to stay relevant and motivated.
Mentors… My mentors have been instrumental in supporting and guiding me, especially during times when I didn’t believe in myself. But I also credit my determination as a key factor in my success. While I may not always excel in certain areas, I refuse to give up and will always keep pushing forward.
Key… Being self-motivated, maintaining a strict routine, possessing immense resilience, disregarding negative views from others, and following your heart are crucial to success. Most importantly, never giving up is essential.
Advice… Keeping things simple and focusing on the daily process can help us avoid becoming overwhelmed and discouraged by the big picture. By enjoying and fully engaging in the present moment, we can derive more satisfaction and fulfillment from our work, while also staying motivated to pursue our goals. And when we approach things with an open mind and a positive attitude, we increase the likelihood of achieving a successful outcome.
What it takes… Resilience is a key factor in achieving success. It’s important to keep pushing forward even when things get tough, and progress seems slow. Consistency and perseverance are essential in overcoming challenges and reaching our goals. And as you mentioned, many people do give up, so having the determination to stick with it can really set you apart.
Adapt… Adaptation is crucial as COVID-19 has already had and will continue to have a significant impact on mental health worldwide.
Impact… Yes, adapting to the changes brought about by COVID-19 has been essential for many people, myself included. To continue providing my services and products, I have had to make some modifications to the way I run my business and coaching sessions. This has included moving many of my coaching sessions online and finding new ways to engage with my clients virtually. While it has been challenging at times, I believe that adapting and being flexible in the face of adversity is crucial for long-term success.
Tools… Maintaining physical and mental well-being is so important, especially during times of isolation. Regular exercise, meditation, and staying connected with loved ones are all great ways to do this.
Motivated… Having a daily routine can be incredibly helpful in maintaining motivation during isolation. By creating structure and consistency in your day, you can better manage your time and priorities. Focusing on the present moment, rather than worrying about the future, can also help alleviate stress and anxiety.
Tip… Focusing on what you can control can help reduce stress and anxiety caused by external factors that are out of your control. It also helps to break down overwhelming situations into smaller, manageable tasks.
Advice… It’s important to stay connected with loved ones and seek support when needed. We all need help and support at times, and there’s no shame in asking for it. Staying positive and focusing on the future can help us get through tough times.
Brand… At the core of the ‘Nick Bracks’ brand, products, and services is a focus on “quality.” We strive to deliver the best possible content and ensure that the production value is at the highest level we can achieve.
Coaching… It’s an incredible privilege to be able to help others. My own personal experiences with depression and anxiety have fuelled my ambition to share the techniques I’ve learned to cope and live a healthy life. I’m dedicated to sharing my story and supporting others on their journey to prevent them from going down a negative path.
Mindset… Working on personal growth and self-improvement during challenging times can be very beneficial. What specific areas are you focusing on improving in your mindset?
Support… You are welcome to reach out to me, my programs, or via the links below. I am here to support you if you need it.
Coaching
Nick Bracks is a highly accomplished mental health advocate who has dedicated his career to raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting overall wellness. He has shared his personal experiences and insights at more than a thousand educational and corporate events for some of Australia’s largest employers, government organizations, schools, and universities. Some of the well-known companies he has worked with include Qantas, BUPA, Ernst & Young, Deloitte, McDonald’s, The Good Guys, and Movember. Nick’s inspirational TEDx Talks have been viewed by audiences worldwide, and he has collaborated with major mental health organizations such as Beyond Blue.
Nick offers a wide range of consultancy services both in person and digitally, including one-on-one and group training sessions, and he has also released a podcast called “Move Your Mind” and a book titled “Move Your Mind: How to Build a Healthy Mindset for Life” to help people develop a healthy mindset. He is also available for guest speaking appearances to raise awareness of mental health and overall wellness. Through his tireless advocacy and education efforts, Nick Bracks is changing the conversation around mental health and inspiring others to prioritize their mental wellbeing.
Our goal is to provide practical advice and tools that can help create real change, foster a more positive mindset, and improve overall quality of life. Through our podcast and book, ‘Move Your Mind,’ we aim to feature real conversations with real people, offering actionable advice to inspire and motivate our audience. Click the link for more information!”
If you’re looking for real talk and honest conversations about mental health, be sure to listen to Nick Bracks’ PODCAST or view WORKSHOP details.
Nick Bracks shares the following insights on work, wellness, & life.
I love what I do because… I love helping people.
Never be afraid of… Failure.
My greatest talent is… Resilience.
My biggest challenge is… Overcoming anxiety.
I overcame that challenge by… Changing the way I think and react.
When starting a business one must… Be open minded.
Most rewarding career moment so far… Doing TEDx talks.
Best gig… TEDx talks and acting roles.
I’ve loved working with… All my mentors.
Turning point in life … When I first asked for and accepted help.
On speaking out… It’s critical!
On mental health… Put it above everything.
Mind and body philosophy… Move and meditate daily.
Every day I practice… Exercise and meditation.
I never go to work without… Shoes.
I hope to one day… Keep helping people.
Favourite book/reading… The Power of Now.
Favourite series… House of Cards.
Never Underestimate… Yourself.
In my spare time I like to… Get out in nature.
My favourite fashion designer is… Cos.
Favourite health fitness/brand… Nike.
Every man needs… Fitness gear.
On perfection... Doesn’t exist.
On every day… Get the most out of it.
On styling… I like simple, plain, all black generally.
On attitude… It’s everything.
On purpose… It’s important.
On living… Do it your own way.
I absolutely love... To travel.
Success means... Being true to yourself.
What’s next… Many things.
Living the dream means… Doing what I’m doing.
Happiness is… Accepting yourself and not needing external validation.
Advice for kids and adults… Enjoy the moment and create healthy habits.
My favourite quote is… The more we value things, the less we value ourselves.
Mental health signs to look out for… Withdrawal, lack of motivation, anything abnormal that is prolonged.
Who to contact for mental health issues… Go to links below.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, it’s important to seek help and support. There are many professional organizations available online that can provide resources and assistance in Australia. Here are some helpful links:
- Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
- Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/
- Black Dog Institute: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/
- Headspace: https://headspace.org.au/
- ReachOut: https://au.reachout.com/
Remember, it’s okay to not be okay and seeking help is a sign of strength.
“Nick, we are incredibly grateful for the openness and vulnerability you’ve shared with us and our readers. Your authenticity, humility, and passion for making a positive impact in the world are truly impressive. Your genuine dedication to helping others is making a life-changing difference for many. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all. – Demi Karan, Heels Agency.”
Nick Bracks: Melbourne, VIC 3000 WWW.NICKBRACKS.COM
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