Speaker spotlight: Monica
Meet Monica from New South Wales, a passionate Beyond Blue Speaker who has shared her powerful lived experience story for ten years. Monica’s love for travel and great food fuels her curiosity to explore new places and cultures, Recently she has taken up kayaking, enjoying the tranquillity of the water.
In 2015 Monica joined the Speakers Program, she has now shared her story at over 41 events!
Breaking the silence and staying well
In her early twenties, after a long period of being in denial, Monica came to the difficult but empowering realisation that she needed help. She took the first step of support seeking by speaking to her GP, eventually seeing a psychologist and starting medication after being diagnosed.
Monica is part of the South Asian community, with an Indian background she was aware of the stigma that surrounded mental health within her community.
“It is considered a taboo topic, and is often not talked about or even hidden from others due to feelings of shame about what the wider community might think. When I was first diagnosed, this stigma played a large factor in me being in denial about my mental health. I delayed opening up to my own family about my mental health illness due to the fear of what they would think.”
Monica’s journey is a testament to the power of seeking help, breaking through stigma and embracing self-care. Physical activity is a key part of Monica’s routine, along with staying connected to friends and regularly checking in with her psychologist. This routine has helped her maintain her well-being for over fifteen years.
