Community Strengthening
Stories from the Community
No Longer Alone
Friday, 27th May 2011
1 in 5 Australians suffer from a Mental Illness at some point in their life.
Five years after losing her job due to bi-polar, Joanne joined YMCA’s Brightside program and is now taking the steps that will lead her back into the office.
Through regular physical activity with others suffering from mental illness, Joanne no longer feels like an outsider. While she is fearful that knowledge of her condition may upset the balance of her return to work, the program has given her the strength to try.
“When I tell people I have bi-polar, I am treated differently. People suddenly don’t know how to act, but I have never felt like that with any of the trainers here at the YMCA. Unfortunately there is usually a stigma attached to conditions like mine and sadly we are not yet at a point where talking about it openly is without consequence.”
“It is an absolute privilege for me to be involved in this program, it has done wonders for my self esteem, my confidence – it has done wonders for me.”
Joanne, Brightside Participant
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