King talks depression to students

Mike King bared his heart and soul when he visited the South Waikato as the face of the Key to Life Charitable Trust.

The former comedian who suffers from depression took on students from Putaruru College and Forest View High School on separate visits and delivered his experiences in a two hour session on June 10.

He also appeared on local radio station Youth FM and gave a public talk at the Sports and Events Centre.

His message told of how he overcame drug and alcohol addiction, and his continued battle against depression.

The idea to speak to students came about 21⁄ years ago when he

2 did a one-off visit in Northland to two schools.

It was so popular, he was inundated with invitations to speak.

‘‘Since then I’ve spoken to a hundred odd schools across the country.’’

It’s been quite a journey for the 53-year old who has a unique view on the younger generation.

‘‘The fact of the matter is that this is the most amazing generation . . . and no one is listening.’’

When he started it was all about trying to fix them, he said, but that wasn’t the way to go.

‘‘I went from always risk managing kids to seeing the potential.’’

His wise words and brutally honest tales appeared to have gotten through to students.

‘‘ It never shocks them, it surprises them in a good way . . . at last there’s someone telling them the truth.’’

At the Putaruru College visit, King could hardly keep up with hands flying up across the hall.

He said he’s already been contacted by ‘‘a dozen’’ kids since his visit to the South Waikato.

‘‘Scary’’ as it is to be approached by youth with ‘‘ huge problems’’, King said he can help them understand and guide them to get help just like he has. Former comedian Mike King, middle, visited Putaruru College students in the Key to Life campaign. Pictured is: Michelle Hamilton, left and Parehuia Walker.