Rainer has struggled with mental illness for 23 years.
By Nicole Williams
RAINER Schnelle has battled chronic depression for more than half his life, and during Mental Health Week is reminding people to ask for help.
The St John of God Hospital, Pinelodge, employee was a star athlete at 17 and was on his way to a ‘golden’ future, including being drafted into the AFL, when his life started falling apart.
His father died when Rainer was hitting puberty and the doctors believe this may have been the trigger when the teenage pressures started to build.
The family also has a long history with mental illness so genetics may have played a part.
“There was a lot of pressure when things started to get more difficult, as they did for everyone at that age,” the 38-year-old said.
“I think that combination of the pressure and things getting harder and the genetics – I think I would have come down with it anyway – but that’s just how I feel.”
“It’s been a constant factor in my life for such a long time, so to say it’s impacted on my life would be an understatement.”
Rainer insists seeking help is the best way to get on the path to recovery.
“Early intervention is always a positive thing,” he said.
“If anyone feels teary or down, they should probably go to the GP first because you don’t want to get to the stage where you have a complete break-down.”
After 23 years, Rainer is starting to feel he is on the mend, thanks to his family, friends, exercise and a good job.
“I feel like I’m getting better for the first time in 15 years.”
“My knowledge (of mental illness) comes from experience and I know what works for me and what doesn’t.”
“I get out there and do things in community and engage in positive activities.”
Even so, Rainer said every day was a struggle and he can only manage one day of work a week.
“It’s been an incredibly debilitating illness. Eight hours work a week is all I can do.”
His lengthy battle has included 25 hospital admissions, more than 90 medications and a six-month stay as a teenager in the now-abandoned Larundel Psychiatric Hospital in Bundoora
Anyone feeling depressed or alonecan call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or theSANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (1800 18 7263).
