OUR STRAIGHT MATE: NICK BRACKS
The former model and DNA cover star is now a successful mental health advocate.
DNA: Let’s start by going back to 2011 when you became a DNA cover model. What are your memories of that?
Nick Bracks: It was a really hot day and we trav-elled around the harbour for about eight hours. It was a beautiful experience and I got to go to all these little islands. It was one of the most fun modelling shoots I’ve been on.
You gained a bit of a gay following around that time, too!
[Laughing] Yes, I definitely did. The gay community have been great and were very supportive of my underwear label. I’ve made many gay friends over the years.
You told us last time that you get hit on by guys more than girls. Is that still the case? [Laughing] I think it might have rounded out a little bit since then, but it still happens quite a bit. But I’ll take it!
You’ve been busy since our last interview, becoming an advocate for mental health awareness. How did that come about?
I had my own battle with anxiety and mental health issues growing up and then wound up in the pubic eye, where it all became public. I was in different incidents including that well-publicised car crash. Not long after, I had the opportunity to speak about what I’d been going through. I began talking to the media, schools and different organisations and, in an organic way, that led to my work in the mental health area. It’s been ten years, which is kind of crazy, but now I run mental health education programs and sell digital help platforms all over the world.
You’ve suffered from anxiety, depression and OCD. How did you get on top of these things? Through trial and error. I’d seen lots of different psychologists but nothing really worked down that path. It’s been about finding what works for me, like keeping a routine and exercising and meditating daily. You have to be mindful about things and learn to be decisive about the thoughts you’re having. It’s realising which thoughts are real and which are not, and not giving power to the ones that are not; not listening to the negative stories.
You’ve developed online mental health resources specifically for the coronavirus quarantine era. Can you explain about that?
I’ve got a program called Mental Health Master-class, which is a video-based learning program. Anyone can access it, pretty much from anywhere. We have psychologists and experts discussing how to overcome and understand different areas of mental health. It also explains how to create a daily practice with behavioural change tools.
You have Dr Richard Chambers on board. Yes, he’s in our Mental Health Master Class program. He’s a world-renowned Australian psychologist and mindfulness expert, having written a number of books, and works with Monash University running progressive programs.
What’s your advice to people who are struggling from the effects of social distancing?
It’s about not looking at the things we can’t change, because that’s not productive. We need to look at what we can change and make the most of what we can control. >>
>> Like what, for example?
Such as using downtime to recuperate or using it to work on the things we didn’t have time for previously. The time can also be used to reconnect with people or even just to re-evaluate aspects of your life. My advice is to be practical and think, “What can I do to make a positive out of this?”
What has your own experience of lockdown been like?
I flew home from Vancouver and I’m staying with my parents until I can return. It’s been a great chance to reconnect with the family and be productive. I’ve been working on my new podcast Move Your Mind, which I plan to launch soon. I’ve been interviewing a range of entertainers, industry leaders and wellness experts.
Since doing reality shows Dancing With The Stars and Celebrity Splash, you’ve ventured into the acting world included Neighbours. Is that something you’re still pursuing?
Yes, I’ve been auditioning for different film and TV roles in Vancouver. There’s a lot of production happing there. It’s very competitive and I have to do an American accent, but I feel I’m closing in on some of them.
How do you find living in Canada?
Canada is incredible and Vancouver is the most beautiful city in the world. With its mountains, forests and huge lakes is just amazing, not to mention the snow. I’ve actually had snow at my front door!
Who has been your most enduring inspiration or mentor?
My uncle Bruce has supported me ever since I was a little kid when I wanted to play AFL. He would come over three nights a week to train me, took me to all my games and encouraged me. He did the same when I got into athletics, and continually encouraged my acting career. Having that kind of support helped me believe in myself even when times were tough.
In all your modelling and TV days, did you ever have a wardrobe malfunction?
I did on Dancing With The Stars! My outfit fell apart while I was on the dancefloor. There were microphones falling down and my top came apart! We were moving around so much on that show that those things happened often. My pants split, too!
If you were gay, who’d be the one?
It’s hard not to like Brad Pitt. He’s an amazing actor, charismatic, chilled and a good-looking guy. He’s the person I aspire to be like.
And your music diva would be?
J-Lo. I’m not really into that kind of music but she’s so sexy. She’s 50 and looks incredible! On The Floor is my favourite.
Well, you actually danced to that when you did Dancing With The Stars!
[Laughing] Yeah, I did, too!
So is that the song that gets you onto the dancefloor?
I’m not a dancefloor guy. I hate clubs and noisy places. I prefer mellow music and love listening to Bon Iver. I also like The National and their song About Today.
What happened to your underwear line Underbracks?
I’m going to revive it at some point, but I’ve just been too busy with all the mental health work and acting. Watch this space!
On that note, briefs, boxers or free balling? Oh, I’m fitted boxers for sure. They’re the most comfortable. Especially Underbracks, which I still wear, of course. I’m wearing them now. •
MORE: For more, visit nickbracks.com Follow Nick on Instagram @nickbracks
Realise which thoughts are real and which are not… don’t give power to the ones that are not; don’t listen to the negative stories.