Mental illness does not discriminate, but the key to recovery is the same – we must open up the channels of trust and communication.

This was no more evident than with the recent tragic death of American actor and comedian Robin Williams. Most people would imagine a celebrity’s life to be an example of “living the dream” but despite the perfect world that seemed to belong to Robin Williams, whatever was troubling to him was significant enough to suicide. To this end, whether impacted by mental illness or not, if a person’s troubles lead them down the path of making poor life changing decisions, the issue quickly becomes “real” and not simply perceived. In some respects, when you think about the lives of famous people (particularly those who achieve fame and fortune at a relatively young age), it could be seen as almost impossible to reach complete contentment – to find a sole mate who truly wants to be with someone for who they are and not because of their fame or possessions. For all of us “common” folk we are somewhat blessed by not being burdened with fame and fortune and can chart the course of true contentment with those who are close to our heart.

But of course we know that depression and anxiety is a growing issue for everyday people.

Speaking as an advocate for mental illness I get to talk about my story. I also get to listen to some amazing people who respond and express their own stories. The sharing of stories can be incredible healing experiences when people from all walks of life can resonate with one another. I wanted to briefly share some of the stories everyday people have shared with me in the hope that we can all become more comfortable with talking and sharing our concerns and start the steps to improving our mental health:

• A middle aged man stood up out of the audience and showed amazing courage as he spoke about his trauma. He was a returned soldier from Vietnam who struggled to fit in with society on his return from war. This had him fall to the lows of drug and alcohol abuse and domestic violence and he subsequently lost respect from the people in a small country community where he battled depression in returned veteran PTSD. He drew a comparison between the courage required to fight in the war and the courage it takes to battle his anxiety and depression – his new “war zone”.
• A woman spoke to me of the tragic loss of her husband. It was a day out at the beach when her husband was standing on a rock admiring the ocean view. Then in one brief moment to see him be swept off the rocks to be taken by a freak wave! Never to be recovered or seen again!!! In an instant her life had changed dramatically and she was left to pick up the pieces. Part of her healing was remarrying however there was more heartache to follow which included a daughter being abused by her stepfather and another daughter suffering from anorexia. Then this amazing woman had the selflessness to thank me for telling my story and then gave me a kiss on the cheek.
• A Mother was sitting in the audience. She approached me afterwards and told me that her 16 year old daughter was going through depression and is going through very similar things that I had mentioned in my years living with anxiety and depression. She wished her daughter had come along to listen. Then she started to cry and thanked me. She was struggling and I said, “I think you are the one who needed to hear my story tonight”. She agreed. She needed to talk and listen and through talking she was able to get a better understanding of what her daughter was going through. She desperately wanted to help her daughter and sometimes we need to see it from someone who has been there, who got through and can offer hope in recovery.

As a final note, and you may have already guessed this, I don’t really like comparing famous people to everyone else and using words like ‘everyday people’. We are all miracles in our own way and if you haven’t ever listened to the song by Sarah McLachlan called “Ordinary Miracle” I recommend that you do – you will look at the world in a different way – for at least one day.

TO BE FEATURING IN AUGUST – JOSIE’S STORY – AUSTRALIAN READER’S DIGEST