Former model Nick Bracks has come a long way since gracing our cover back in 2011. Now a successful mental health advocate, his current project is helping to beat those lockdown blues.
You’ve been quite busy since our last interview, becoming an advocate for mental health awareness. Tell us how that evolved
Nick Bracks: 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, but not long after, I had the opportunity to speak out 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 educational 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 really been more through finding what works for me, like exercising every day, meditating daily and keeping a routine. You have to be mindful about things and learn to be decisive about the thoughts you are having. It’s realising what thoughts are real and what ones are not, and not giving power to the ones that are not. That’s probably the biggest thing, not listening to the negative stories.
Nick Bracks has established himself as a mental health advocate Photo credit: Andrew Raszevski
OCD can be particularly hard for people to control. What’s your advice there?
I’m not a psychologist, but with that particular thing it’s really about finding balance and trying to catch yourself when you going down that path. You need to catch it before it gets too compulsive. Get on top of it, as quick as you can.
You’ve developed online mental health resources specifically for our Coronavirus quarantine era. Can you explain about that?
I’ve got a program called Mental Health Masterclass, which is a video-based learning program. Anyone can access it, pretty much from anywhere. It covers a range of areas and we’ve got psychologists and different 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 also have Dr Richard Chambers on board?
Yes, he’s in our Mental Health Master Class program and really validates what’s being talked about. 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 may be struggling from the social effects of social distancing?
It’s really about not looking at what we can’t change, because that’s not going to be productive. We should look at what we can change. Unfortunately this can be more difficult for some than others, but we should make the most of what we can control. Such as using downtime to recuperate, or using it to work on the things we didn’t have time for previously. Time can also be used to reconnect with people or even just to re-evaluate your own life. My advice is to be practical and think, “What can I do to make a positive out of this?”
Nick has also worked successfully as a model Photo credit: Anthony Michael
What has your own experience in 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 with a really strict routine. 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, and breaking down how we can improve our mental wellbeing.
Back in 2011 you became a DNA cover model. What are your memories of that?
It was a really hot day and we travelled around the harbour for about eight hours. It was actually a lot of fun. 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.
“The DNA shoot was one of the most fun modelling shoots I’ve ever 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!
Nick Bracks Photo credit: Hannah Blum
If you were gay, who would 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, especially with what I’m currently doing in my life.
And your music diva would be?
I reckon J-Lo. I’m not really into that kind of music, but she’s so sexy. She’s fifty and looks incredible! On The Floor is my favourite.
Well, you actually danced to that number, way back when you did Dancing With The Stars!
(Laughing) Yeah, I did too! How appropriate!
So what song gets you onto the dance floor?
I’m actually not a dance floor guy. I hate clubs and loud noisy places. I prefer mellow music and love listening to Bon Iver. I also like The National and their song About Today.
“The gay community have been great, and were very supportive of my underwear label! I’ve made many gay friends over the years.”
Since doing reality shows like 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 and all, but I feel I’m closing in on some of them.
Nick Bracks Photo credit: Stephanie Thy
How do you find living in Canada?
Canada is incredible and Vancouver is the most beautiful city in the world. The scenery 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 biggest 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 and faith helped me believe in myself and to push forward, even when times got 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 dance floor. There were microphones falling down and my top just came apart! We were moving around so much on that show, that those things happened often. I’ve had the pants split too! (Laughing).
What happened to your underwear line Underbracks?
I’m actually going to revive it at some point, but I’ve just been too busy with all the mental health work and acting. But watch this space!
On that note are you briefs, fitted boxers or freeballs?
Oh, I’m fitted boxers for sure! I really find they’re the most comfortable. Especially Underbracks, which I still wear of course! In fact, I’m wearing a pair now!
For more, visit nickbracks.com
Follow Nick on Instagram @nickbracks
Matt Myers and Nick Bracks
