Breaking the Stigma. Bipolar 1 and Motherhood

My work in education and community support is deeply informed by lived experience.

I live with Bipolar I Disorder, a condition that has included periods of significant illness and hospitalisation. Navigating the Australian mental health system as both a consumer and an advocate has given me insight into the complexities, gaps and strengths within our services. It has also strengthened my understanding of dignity, trauma-informed practice, and the importance of early intervention and consistent support.

Living with a serious mental health condition has required resilience, self-awareness and ongoing commitment to treatment and wellbeing. I work closely with health professionals, prioritise stability, and maintain strong support networks. These structures allow me to work safely, professionally and sustainably in high-responsibility environments.

Alongside my mental health journey, I have also experienced infertility. That chapter of my life shaped my understanding of grief that is often invisible, prolonged and misunderstood. It deepened my empathy for families navigating private struggles while continuing to function in work, school and community settings.

These experiences do not define me, but they inform my practice. They guide the way I approach students, families and colleagues — with compassion, clear boundaries, professionalism and a belief in people’s capacity to grow.

I am passionate about reducing stigma around mental health in Australia and modelling that it is possible to live with a diagnosis, hold leadership roles, raise a family and contribute meaningfully to the community.

My lived experience strengthens my work — it does not limit it.