You're not alone
How can you help to reduce stigma
How can you help to reduce stigma associated with complex mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar by Jasmine Swan One out of five Australians aged 16 to 85 is living with mental illness. According to the Department of Health, stigma is one of the most common reasons people with mental illness are reluctant to seek help. Stigma also increases psychological distress, which hinders the recovery process and personal goals. No matter the magnitude, stigma can cause harm to those targeted by it and their loved ones. But understanding all forms of stigma can help eradicate it. “Most often, stigma...
Bolt Blowers 50 Year Storm
Shaun Brookes was before his time. A surfing prodigy and a trail blazer. He inspired so many surfers through his unique surfing style developed in his home town - Bells Beach and Winki Pop. The son of Quiksilver’s Rod Brooks, and brother of former World Tour surfer Troy Brooks, Shaun battled depression and various mental health issues from his mid 20s until at he was 36, when he died by suicide. Like so many other who have lost their battle to mental health, the Bells Beach 50 Year Storm invitation was established in memory of Shaun to acknowledge his struggle and that of so...
Yvette Mystakas
Yvette started sharing her story in 2015 ago when she started to experience post natal depression. Her story is raw and at times confronting, but it is her story and one that so many women can connect to. Her mental health journey started before she even realised low self esteem, unhealthy relationship, an eating disorder ... all laddering up to a more acute presentation of self harm and suicidal behaviours. On June 6th 2018, she posted a message on her Instagram:"I have lost count of how many times I have thought about giving up during the last four years. I have...
Tommy Frawley
Tommy Frawley is a loveable larrikan. A few years ago Tommy recognised that he wasn't feeling his normal self. He was experiencing quite significant mood swings, over indulging and generally out of sorts. His friends and family noticed before he did.When he finally reached out for help, it kicked started his challenging journey of discovering what it is like to live with a diagnosis of Bipolar affected disorder. An amazing person who was inspired by his late uncle, the great Danney Frawley, Tommy undertook his first amateur boxing match on November 7th 2020 to raise funds for mental health research Today, Tommy continues in Danny's footsteps...
Liz Wardlaw - One In Five founder, Matt's mum
Liz Wardlaw's story is all too familiar. As Matt's mum she understood that he was struggling with his mental health but didn't know exactly how to help. She hoped he would get better, she hoped he would find a way to feel happier and healthier. She hoped she could go away for a family wedding and not get "that call". On News Years Day 2001, Liz did indeed receive that call to say that Matt had died by suicide. He was only 30. In 2003, Liz was joined by Matt's friends and family with a commitment to make sure Matt's...