Muller shares his powerful, cautionary journey

Lastmonth, I sat with Bay of Plentymptoddmuller and his wife, Michelle, as he opened upto the media for the first time about steppingdownas Leader of the Opposition in July for health reasons.

Such wasthe shock of Muller’s departure even he didn’t see it coming. Hehadwonthe leadership role, by ousting former leader and Taurangampsimon Bridges, only in May.

This week, Muller has gone one further by revealingmore detail – inhisownwords - the suffocating hold hismental health had on himat the time.

Ihad approached Muller to see if he was willing to write a firstperson piece as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

The result is a powerful, cautionary tale.

Whether one supports National, Labour, Act or Vision NZ, what Muller has done transcends political divides. Hehas done

His key message is for people to share their

struggles.

what few others could have.

Detailing the beginnings of his panic attacks, and the fallout from them, he has helped others to recognise warning signs. Being open about hisownfragility has reminded others it’s okay to ask for help nomatterwhoyou are. Whata braveman.

At the time of his departure, and peak of hismental anguish, Muller had one of the highest profiles one could have innew Zealand. Healso had a real shot at becoming Prime Minister.

Yet his journey is a very real reminder that the impacts of mental health don’t discriminate. I cannot fathomthe courage it must have taken himto share such a deeply personal journey with the rest of uswhenhewas already so vulnerable.

Muller has used his high public profile for the greater good.

His keymessage is for people to share their struggles. For him, and his family, itmade the world of difference. His hope is that his story will potentially help others. I’msure it already has.

Muller has not shared his story as the local MP. He’s shared it as him– all of him. The familyman, the politics enthusiast, the kiwifruit and dairy businessman, and also as an average Kiwi bloke.

With this editorial, I salute him for his actions.

Thank you, Todd.