The former Australian soldier is returning to the place where he grew up on a mission to make a positive impact with some simple tools to help people feel more in control when life happens.

His story is the extreme, but Sutherland said in hitting rock bottom, reaching out for professional help and now telling in sharing his story, allowed him a privilege to take what he has learned and help others – even if this was techniques for getting less frustrated with your children or easing up on the extra glass or two of wine at night.

He said itwas first and foremost about helping people become a better versions of themselves.

“My workshops are on people living. It’s all about living in the moment – people get depression from living in the past and anxiety comes from living in the future,” Sutherland said.

“...I’m no different to anyone else. Only a different perception changed things. I just want people to really look at the path they’re on.”

Sutherland experienced a traumatic childhood that extended into the Australian Army where he was bastardised then blew his knee out before he was medically discharged with the injury plus anxiety and depression.

Everything he loved was gone, including his career and love of running.

Suicidal thoughts and agoraphobia followed in a downhill spiral before Sutherland reached out for professional help.

He wants to empower people in a bid to prevent ripple effects in life that can snowball.

“I’m pretty open in sharing my story, but I think people then know I’m coming from a genuine place,” Sutherland said. “I’m coming from a place of empathy and compassion and understanding...but I can also be challenging and confronting because I need to be.”

Sutherland’s workshops come amid mental health week.

He will host two workshops, one in morning and one evening session, at The Healthy Hub Wellness Centre in Bakery Hill on Wednesday. To register: mrnicksutherland.eventbrite.com.