Nutters unite in a new social phenomenon

Mike King doesn't claim to be an expert on mental health, but he has learnt a bit since he began to seek therapy a few years ago.

The entertainer's experiences with depression and substance abuse, and his efforts to control the demons, undoubtedly armed him for the next phase of his career, The Nutters Club, a social and media phenomenon that spans talkback radio, Facebook and, from this month, television.

The programme features a resident clinical psychiatrist, David Codyre, and an array of special guests, including a mix of well-known screen personalities, and ordinary people who have led extraordinary lives who all speak with incredible candour about their own stories.

Among them are former Shortland Street stars Nicola Kawana and Peter Elliott, fashion designer Denise L'Estrange-Corbet and Carterton Mayor Gary McPhee.

Here King, who, in his own words is a "certified Nut", talks about why he believes the time is right for mental health television.

It would be nice to think that the bad old days of suffering in silence with our problems are gone. Has New Zealand changed?

I don't know so much that New Zealand has changed. It's more that in the past, people just tried to hide stuff, "harden up" and sweep it under the carpet - like if we don't talk, it will all go away. That didn't work then, just as it doesn't work now.

Do you think having people like yourself (funny bloke) and John Kirwan (rugby bloke) at the forefront of mental health awareness makes it OK for other blokes to talk about it?

I think the evidence is pretty clear that it does make it easier for others. That said, while I get a buzz out of helping others and JK probably does too, the most important thing is that it helps me. And if in doing that it makes it easier for other men, then that's got to be a good thing. I think so anyway.

The Nutters Club seems to be gathering quite a following. Why does it work for people?

When you see real people talking about this kind of stuff, it makes you realise that you are not alone. There is always hope. It can get better, and in time it does.

Does it make you proud that your celebrity can be used to spread enlightenment and help others?

Humble is a more appropriate word, very humble. Since I went public, I've met a whole lot of people I never ever thought I'd meet.

Are you still inspired by The Nutters Club?

Every day in every way. The World Health Organisation estimates that by 2025, mental Illness will be among the world's top three worst modern-day killers, so it's right up there with cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and diabetes.

That's a whole lot of people directly impacted, and doesn't even take into consideration the friends, family and workmates of the person with mental Illness.

Can it keep growing?

The thing about The Nutters Club is when you're nuts and you're surrounded by other nuts, it's impossible to run out of material. The Nutters Club is really only in its infancy. Plus, we're taking it international with me and my co-host, Dr David Codyre, a clinical psychiatrist with over 20 years' experience, is speaking at the 11th Annual International Mental Health Conference on the Gold Coast. Who'd have ever thought that?

It's definitely a unique subject matter for radio and television in New Zealand. Is there anything like it overseas you know of?

The Nutters Club is a world first. There is nothing else like it anywhere.

* The Nutters Club screens on Maori Television on Fridays at 10pm.

- © Fairfax NZ News