I am a Peer Worker at Flourish Australia’s Queanbeyan service, and I use my own lived experience of mental health issues as part of the support I provide to the people who access our service.
I always encourage people to hold onto hope for themselves, no matter how hard it gets; and I endeavor to live by this message myself.
My homeless period followed a change of life circumstances, including a new job in a food hall. The money was nowhere near enough to cover my rent and as a result I ended up having to spend three months living in a women’s shelter.
It was a deeply humbling experience to be working while still homeless. I lived under a strict nine o’clock curfew alongside other women, some of whom were fleeing domestic violence, some who had been involved in adult entertainment, and others who struggled with substance abuse.
During those three-months, I used my time wisely, saving up the money I needed to hire a truck so I could retrieve my belongings out of storage and eventually move it all to my sister’s place in Canberra.
At first, my sister allowed me to stay board-free, then later for minimal board. This, along with my mother’s constant support, gave me the opportunity to keep on saving hard. Over four years I saved enough to put a deposit on a house of my own!
Living with a diagnosis of Bi-polar Disorder, I found it challenging to finish the many projects I started. Then a friend and I made a deal with one another: “If we start it, we will finish it!”
This mutual accountability allowed me to successfully complete a Diploma in Community Services.
It required discipline though: Every Saturday, with the help of my Aunty, I would lock myself away from 9AM to 9PM to get my written assignments finished.
I use prayer to maintain focus and stay on track. I have found a medication that helps stabilise my moods reducing the extreme highs and lows that come with my diagnosis. An important thing I will share with the people I support is “recognise what triggers your unwellness and have a plan of action for when it happens.”
My strategy, which I often use, involves writing down my experiences and after doing that I realised something important: “There’s a right audience and a right time for sharing your story.” Don’t feel discouraged if people are not immediately drawn to you.
Advocating for myself and others is important in navigating challenges like my recent house purchase. When the developer tried to raise the price up with excuses, my sister stepped in as a strong advocate. Inspired by her example I made some important phone calls that ultimately worked out in my favour. It’s a reminder that with perseverance and advocacy, positive outcomes can be achieved even in challenging situations.
My Mum affectionately calls me “fierce and fabulous” though most of the time I have a sweet demeanor.
Currently I am tackling several exciting challenges. I am focused on managing my mortgage repayments effectively which is a step towards securing financial stability and future freedom. Alongside this, I find fulfillment in the people I support, walking alongside them through their own challenges and supporting them to achieve their goals. Adding to my sense of balance and joy, I make sure to participate in Swing Dancing every Thursday, which brings me both energy and a sense of community. These activities reflect my commitment to growth, resilience, and embracing life’s opportunities with optimism.
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