text: Australian MP Andrew Robb bravely revealed one of the unusual methods he used for more a decade to stave off depression. The Minister for Investment and Trade, who battled depression for 43 years, appeared on ABC's Q&A program, and said he tried to trick himself into thinking he was happy with an unconventional approach. 'For 10 years, I drove to work with a pen in my mouth because someone told me if your face is configured like you're smiling, your brain thinks you are and it releases endorphins,' he said. Scroll down for video . Australian MP Andrew Robb bravely revealed one of the unusual methods he used for more a decade to stave of depression . 'I don't know what people thought driving the other way, but I tried everything.' Mr Robb also said he would force himself to sneeze by looking at the sun - which causes him to sneeze - because it would give him a 'hit of endorphins'. He also revealed he listened to jazz and classical music to help with his mood, but it was medication that 'really did the trick'. 'For the last four years I've had better days than any days for the 43 years before,' Mr Robb said. 'For the last four years I've had better days than any days for the 43 years before,' Mr Robb said . Mr Robb stood down from parliament in 2009 due to his battle with depression . Labor MP Anna Burke later said depression, and the high suicide rate in Australia, was an 'epidemic'. The former Speaker of the House also said Australians are too focused on hospital beds and should instead invest more in prevention strategies. 'We need to get people going to the doctors early,' Ms Burke said. Mr Robb also revealed he listened to jazz and classical music to help with his mood, but it was medication that 'really did the trick' Labor MP Anna Burke said it is key for Australia to invest in prevention strategies for mental health. 'We don't need them to wait 43 years like Andrew did,' Ms Burke said . 'We don't need them to wait 43 years like Andrew did. 'We need the prevention there at the beginning. We are obsessed with hospital beds in this country. Why are we waiting for everybody to end up at the bottom of a cliff in the ambulance going to the hospital?'
target: Australian MP Andrew Robb says he would put a pen in his mouth to smile .
  Government Minister did so to trick his brain into releases endorphins .
  Mr Robb battled depression much of his life, before seeking help in 2009 .
  Prevention and treatment of mental illness is key, says Labor's Anna Burke .