The Getaway Plan Frontman Opens Up On Stuggles With Depression

Frontman for Melbourne alternative rockers The Getaway Plan, Matthew Wright has taken to the band’s Facebook with a lengthy post detailing his struggles with depression over the past few years.

Sharing his personal life in a “rather confronting” way, the post comes at the “back-end of a long and dark period” in his life.

“I slipped in to some of the deepest and heaviest depression/anxiety that I knew I could ever possibly experience. Prior to this, I believed I was not susceptible to such things and so it took me by surprise and hit me like a freight train,” Wright wrote.

“A few years ago I made some poor life decisions, got involved in some poisonous situations and ended up isolating myself from my friends, my family and the world in general. As I fell deeper and deeper in to a hole, I began losing sight of what truly mattered to me in life. The band continued to tour, but any happiness that music usually brought to me, was more or less non-existent.

“I lost all faith in the universe and all faith in myself as a human and as an artist. I came to believe that I would never see an end to what I was going through. Only now, after nearly 4 years am I beginning to see the light, see how wrong I was and take the correct steps to pull myself out of the rut that I’ve been in.”

Wright explained his absent stage presence during live performances and apologised to fans who he may have given the wrong impression.

“I sincerely apologise if I have let any fans down by coming across as rude or arrogant at any point. I have endless love in my heart for each and every one of you and I would never wish any of you to feel otherwise. Unfortunately this disorder doesn’t have a pause button and some days are harder than others. I’m happy to say that I’ve found true love for music again and writing for this new record has been an absolute joy, if not a saviour.”

Going public about his struggles with depression wasn’t a “self-victimising” experience, rather an opportunity to raise awareness around mental health.

“ My point here is that mental issues go unnoticed far too often in this world when they shouldn’t have to. Awareness is absolutely vital in these situations. There are countless people out there who are alone in their suffering just like I was and it doesn’t have to be that way. If anyone reading this can relate, I want you to know that keeping it to yourself is not the answer. I kept it to myself for far too long and it nearly ruined me beyond repair. Whatever it may be that you are going through, sharing it with someone else and getting a different perspective can really make all the difference in the world. On the other side of things- If anyone you know seems a bit off, just reach out and ask. Believe me, it’s worth your time and they will appreciate it.”

If you need help dealing with depression or want to talk to someone, call BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or head to beyondblue.org.au.