It’s okay to talk about mental health – yours and with others’ 
 

Living with mental health challenges and suicidality has shaped many parts of my life, but it’s never defined me. I live with Bipolar 1, complex PTSD, psychosis and anxiety – and my journey has been anything but straightforward.  

There have been times when I felt overwhelmed, disconnected, and unsure how to keep going. I’ve experienced trauma, grief, relationship breakdowns, and moments of deep instability. But I’ve also found strength, support and hope in unexpected places.   

I was born in the UK and moved to Australia as a toddler after my parents separated. I remember being a happy, outgoing kid – until things changed. In my early childhood I experienced sexual abuse and complex PTSD, which deeply impacted my sense of self and confidence.  

I became scared and withdrawn and for most of my life, I was too self-conscious to dance. That shift in me was hard to understand and even harder to talk about.  

As I grew older, I faced more challenges. Coming out, reconnecting with family and navigating relationships – all these moments were layered with emotion and complexity. At 18, I reached a place where I felt I couldn’t cope, and I attempted to end my life. That moment didn’t come from one single cause – it was the weight of many things, and the feeling of being lost in all of it.  

Recovery wasn’t immediate or easy. I experienced a three-month psychosis, was diagnosed with bipolar, and began searching for the right treatment. My first experience with a psychiatrist wasn’t great but I advocated for myself and eventually found someone who truly listened. He put me on a new medication, and with enormous support from my mum, it changed my life. 

My mum has been my fiercest champion and with her support, I started to rebuild. There were still setbacks, especially during abusive relationships and after my dad passed away. But each time, I reached out, adjusted my treatment and found a way forward.  

I’ve learned that recovery isn't linear. It’s messy, unpredictable and deeply personal. It's more like a roller coaster, with ups and downs but if you hold on, the ride is worth it. 

Fast forward to 2025, I now have a rewarding career in the disability sector and have been a volunteer with a youth suicide prevention charity for 5 years. Sharing my story has become a way to connect with others and remind them that they’re not alone.  

I remember speaking publicly for the first time and a young person came up to me afterwards. She said she thought she was the only one who lived with psychosis. That moment showed me the power of lived experience, connection, and the importance of speaking up and showing up for myself and others. 

Here’s what I’ve learned: 

• A fulfilling life is possible, even if it doesn’t look the same for everyone. It takes time, patience, and support.
• Medication is personal. What works for one person may not work for another and that’s ok. Keep trying until you find what helps.
• Connection matters. It’s okay to talk about mental health – your own and with others. You don’t have to have all the answers; just being there can make a difference.
• You are not alone. There are people, services, and communities who care and want to help. 

And yes, after all these years, I finally danced. 

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