In an open letter Mr Tilley said he would be taking indefinite leave to take care of his mental and physical health as the bushfires, and COVID had taken a 'massive toll' on his wellbeing.

The volunteer firefighter said accepting you need help was "challenging and humbling" but he hopes to inspire others to get support.

Psychiatrist and mental health advocate Pat McGorry commended his honesty.

"MPS are human beings subjected to a unique set of pressures," he said. "Covering it up... because of shame or stigma is not helpful."

Albury Wodonga Health's Renee Murtagh said people often experience self-stigma and open conversations can help break down that barrier.

"In general it's really important people are open talking about mental health because often people will feel alone or that there isn't support available," she said.

"By opening up and talking about our own experiences it helps lessens the stigma."

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Professor McGorry said the majority of people will experience times of mental ill health in their life.

"It's a fantasy that only a small group of people become mentally ill and a bigger group become physically ill, both will happen [in life]," he said.

Professor McGorry said up to 30 per cent of people who previously haven't sought the mental health support would need help during the pandemic. People with existing mental health problems will also be affected.

"It is a shadow pandemic following the main pandemic and it's starting to capture a lot more people in its net," he said.

Mrs Murtagh said AWH had seen an increase in people seeking support this year.

"Mental health problems can affect anyone," Mrs Murtagh said.

"We saw an increase in presentations after the bushfires because people experienced trauma, but the trauma that's come from COVID - the uncertainty, the financial pressures, job losses and home schooling - all those things have impacted people's mental health."