Drysdale man David Di Giusto shares mental health battle

A Drysdale man has shared his battle with mental illness ahead of a major fundraiser.

Mathew Di-Giusto, David Di-Giusto and David Doak. A few riders are getting together for the Black Dog Ride, which raises awareness of depression.

David Di-Giusto knows what it’s like when waking up every day is a battle.

The Drysdale resident has fought depression and anxiety for more than a decade, and is now volunteering his time to help raise awareness.

“Battle is a really good word, because a lot of people say suffer but we don’t suffer,” Mr Di-Giusto said.

“We still live each day, but some days are harder than others. We battle on those days, to sit there and get through.”

Mr Di-Giusto’s battle with the “black dog” began in 2008.

“I had a bit of a breakdown, I was off work for quite a long time and then when I went back,” Mr Di-Giusto said.

“They made sure to get me back to work safely and then terminated me. So I had another breakdown there and then.

“I’ve battled with depression and anxiety ever since.”

A motorcycle enthusiast, Mr Di-Giusto jumped at the chance to take part in mental health charity Black Dog Ride’s annual bike ride.

The ride aims to raise funds for and awareness of mental illness.

“I ride motorbikes as a bit of a hobby and a way to release some energy, and I heard about Black Dog Ride,” Mr Di-Giusto said.

Mr Di-Giusto, who now volunteers with the charity, said finding the event was a revelation.

“I had no-one that really understood what I was going through,” he said.

“It was nice to actually finally meet up with some people that understood the illness and how it affects people.”

The ride takes place in March every year and is for carers as well as those with depression.

But for Mr Di-Giusto spreading awareness about depression and anxiety is about more than an annual ride.

“I’ve got friends all over the country, I’ve done some major rides,” he said.

“We’ve gone up to Queensland, we did a ride a few years ago around Australia.”

The camaraderie he’s found on the ride has made Mr Di-Giusto’s battle a little easier.

“I’ve met people from all over the countryside, and we’ve got a like-minded mentality,” Mr Di-Giusto.

“Being able to talk about it and release some of that nervous energy and not be judged for how you’re feeling is just magnificent.”

The Black Dog Ride One-Dayer will take place on March 19.

Originally published as Drysdale man David Di Giusto shares mental health battle