Nick Buckley began suffering panic attacks on New Year’s Day 2022. Seeking stability, he joined the Victorian Woodworkers Association in North Melbourne. Initially seeking quiet solitude, Buckley faced a rigorous environment involving heavy machinery and strict safety protocols under mentor Isabel Avendaño-Hazbún.
Despite initial fears of injury, Buckley mastered various tools, including jointers, thicknessers, and panel saws. His primary project involved constructing three cabinets to house his record collection and DJ mixer. Progress required patience; after three years, he completed two units.
The workshop served as exposure therapy rather than simple relaxation. Buckley noted significant psychological improvement, attributing his progress to physical engagement and trust built with instructors. He reports no panic episodes in the last year, citing craftsmanship as a reliable anchor during distress.
