Denielle
From the outside, my life looks pretty idyllic. I live in a beautiful part of country Victoria with my three wonderful children.
But, as with many people, I’ve faced my share of demons. Mental illness has played a huge role in my family since my father was first diagnosed with depression over 15 years ago.A strong, independent country bloke, his diagnosis came on the back of an illness.
As his body started breaking down, so too did his mental state. My own struggle started when he took his own life. My experience has made me acutely aware of the stigma and lack of understanding that still surrounds the issue of mental health in this country.This was particularly the case for my father – he was suffering depression at a time when there was very little support and awareness, in a community more remote than mine.
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