Bex won’t lie down in mental health fight
Physical abuse. Depression. Anxiety. Post-traumatic stress disorder. Self-harm. Attempted suicide. Homeless refuges. Drug and alcohol addiction. Bullying.
Heartbreakingly, Bex endured all this and more before her 15th birthday.
“It was a terrifying experience. I didn’t know how to react and handle how I was feeling. I was suicidal because I didn’t think anyone cared about me. I really don’t know how I survived.”
Thankfully, Bex did survive. She recently graduated from high school, and, now aged 19, is completing an artworks course at Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiative, and is seeing a counsellor she trusts and feels comfortable with.
The program helps young people develop their creativity through art; building self-esteem and encouraging learning in a safe, supportive environment. A support coordinator offers students ongoing support and goal planning, as well as help finding work or enrolling in further studies.
With help from Mission Australia, Bex continues to work through her mental health issues, and is now an advocate for others facing similar struggles.
“It shouldn’t feel shameful to talk about mental illness, but it still is and that needs to change. It’s okay to ask for help, and that’s why I’m sharing my story.”
Our recent youth survey revealed a significant increase in the rates of probable serious mental illness in young people aged 15-19, particularly females
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