Beyond Blue chairman Jeff Kennett has urged the public to take former AFL player and media personality Garry Lyon’s mental health condition seriously.

Lyon last week stood down from his media commitments indefinitely, citing depression, at the same time it emerged he had engaged in a relationship with close friend and Footy Show colleague Billy Brownless’ ex-wife.

• Garry Lyon affair may have gone on for years
• Lyon battles ‘serious mental health condition’

Following Channel Nine’s announcement of his mental health condition, there had been speculation Lyon may be using it to take the limelight away from his relationship with Kelly Brownless.

Kennett rubbished those claims on SEN radio, saying: “Let me let you in on one issue that should reconfirm that Garry is seriously ill.

“He first contacted me in September wanting help. September.

“So for those people who are suggesting that this is not a genuine illness, I’ve got to say to you – butt out, you’re wrong, you’re being very hurtful. You’re not helping in the recovery.”

It is not yet known when Lyon will return to his gigs hosting The Footy Show, Footy Classified and writing a column for the Saturday Age.

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