As an ABC sports broadcaster, Glenn Mitchell had what many would call a dream job.

Jet-setting around the world covering four Olympics, four Commonwealth Games, two Paralympics and international cricket, Mr Mitchell was also the voice of AFL and WAFL broadcast matches across Perth.

While everything pointed towards a charmed life, Mr Mitchell’s last five years in his position at the ABC became much harder due to his battle with mental illness, a battle which saw him attempt to take his own life in June last year.

Mr Mitchell has now turned to encouraging others to seek help in their fight against mental illness.

Speaking at a One Life Suicide Prevention Strategy seminar last Friday in Katanning and Wagin, Mr Mitchell touched on changing the stigma associated with mental illness, especially in males.

“The biggest killer in Australian males under the age of 44 is suicide,” he said.

“Having a mental illness is no different to having asthma or diabetes, which you also need medical attention for.

“We need to break and get rid of the negative innuendo with admitting you have a mental illness.”

For Mr Mitchell, life is back on track after he was diagnosed with type 2 bi-polar disorder in September last year.

To learn more about the One Life Suicide Prevention Strategy, visit mcsp.org.au.

If you need help, call Lifeline on 131 144 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

Glenn Mitchell meets One Life Aboriginal support officer Tim Flowers and One Life Wheatbelt assistant network co-ordinator Jane Mouritz. Picture: Brian Oliver