I will be fundraising over the next 4 months to create awareness of and hopefully help to break down the stigma around mental health issues. Over 5 million Australians are affected by mental health illnesses. These present themselves physically as well as mentally, yet they are not treated nor acknowledged the same way that a physical injury is. I want to help break down the barriers for those suffering so that they can have a chance to live a happy and healthy life like they deserve - like we all deserve. 

All fundraising proceeds will be going to SANE Australia, an organisation that works with the community to understand what support is needed, what programs would be beneficial and what societal changes need to be made in order to eliminate the stigma and discrimination those suffering from mental health illnesses face.

I will also be shaving my head (yes you heard that right) and donating my hair to the Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation (AAAF) to be turned into a wig to hopefully help brighten the life of someone struggling with a different type of illness! 

I am not doing this as an opportunity to share my story, however I feel that by doing so I will hopefully be positively contributing to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health illnesses. 

I suffer PTSD, anxiety and depression. It would take way too long to tell you all of the impacts these mental illnesses have had and continue to have on my life and on those who are close to me. I have sort many different types of treatment and professional help and only in the last 2 years have I really found the programs and professionals that have provided me the help I really need. It took a long time to find these programs and the right help. If it wasn't for a supportive partner, friends and family, an incredible GP, amazing psychologists and not for profit organisations I wouldn't be where I am today, mostly managing my illnesses with their help. 

I unfortunately know quite a few people who are also suffering from varying mental health illnesses, maybe you do too? 

It is incredibly difficult to access consistent and effective treatment and management for mental health illnesses. SANE Australia highlights 'While there are increased services for young people, adult Australians face major barriers in getting affordable access to the quality clinical and psychosocial support services that can support their recovery and enable them to lead a better life. As a result, people affected by complex mental health issues can die up to 30 years earlier than their fellow Australians.' 

People often hit rock bottom before anyone notices what is going on, and sometimes they are unable to reach out for help themselves. This is often too late, and the effects are felt by all of those close to the individual/s.

The only way to improve treatment for mental health issues is to encourage conversations, remove stigmas and discrimination, improve access to programs and facilities and support those in our community that are struggling.

Don't get me wrong, I am terrified of shaving my head and being open about my mental health!! But I truly believe that if we don't challenge ourselves, push ourselves outside of our comfort zones or do things for others rather than ourselves, then we will never see the change this world needs.

Will you help me raise money to support those struggling with mental health issues and contribute to the great work SANE Australia is doing? 

Will you support me to raise awareness and much needed funds, as well as create a WIG?! 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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