The 41-year-old Melbourne man spiralled into a deep depression following a divorce about eight years ago.

He said he lost all confidence and hope and found it difficult to get out of bed.

Mr Willem emerged from the shadows and began another relationship, which sadly also ended.

“That relationship fell apart and the second time around is definitely worse,” he said.

“I had a breakdown followed by getting some anxiety and pretty bad panic attacks.”

Mr Willem sought help from doctors and was slowly able to crawl his way out of the shadows.

He said every person’s journey is different but he found exercise was one of the best tools to aid with his recovery.

Mr Willem said he was inspired to raise awareness about depression and raise much-needed funds for beyondblue.

“After I got back on my feet I wanted to do something incredible and I wanted to support beyondblue in doing so,” he said.

He has been on the open road for a month, just him, his bike and a custom-made bathtub to carry his supplies.

Mr Willem plans to ride 20,000 kilometres around Australia, finishing at the top of the country at Cape York.

Along the way he hopes to talk to people about his own battle with depression and encourage others to share their story.

Mr Willem said the trip had proved to be very therapeutic and he had been pleased a number of people had taken the chance to speak to him about their experience with mental illness along the way.

He said he was keen to help remove the stigma associated with mental illness and encourage people to seek help.

“Us men can think we’re an island, but we’re not, asking for help is the courageous thing to do,” Mr Willem said.

Last week Mr Willem stopped in at Warrnambool, where stayed at Figtree Holiday Village and took in the sights.

He is a photographer and said he loved taking photos in the south-west.

To fund his journey, Mr Willem sells prints at community markets along the way.

You can follow Mr Willem’s journey and donate to his cause at https://www.facebook.com/iammichaelwillem/