I am passionate about smashing the stigma of mental illness, especially in the workplace.
In 2008, I experienced an episode of severe depression. I was hospitalised for five weeks and it was another four weeks before I could return to work. On my return, I decided to share my story with colleagues.
In nearly every case, people disclosed their own experience with mental illness or that of their parents, siblings, partners or children. Their collective weight overwhelmed me and I was struck by the silence shrouding mental illness. I decided to tell my story to an audience on a larger scale and wrote an opinion article about the stigma of mental illness for The Age.
That was my first foray into mental health advocacy. I am actively involved with Beyond Blue's Ambassador and Speaker Bureau, sharing my story to reduce stigma and increase understanding of mental illness. I am also on the Steering Committee for the National Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Strategy which is being developed by the National Mental Health Commission. I was previously a member of Mental Health Australia's National Consumer and Carer Register, working at the national level to provide a strong consumer voice in the mental health sector.
A memoir of my experience of mental illness has been published, titled The Good Greek Girl.
Interviews
The Conversation Hour: Podcast of my interview with Jon Faine
RN Background Briefing: Podcast of a program on workplace mental illness
Brainwaves: Podcast of an interview about my experience of mental illness
The Pulse: Interview about mental illness in the workplace
Articles
Inquiring into mental health, The Mandarin
I never imagined I'd be a public servant, let alone one with depression, The Guardian
Simple things are often the key to good mental health, The Age
An illness that should not be hidden, The Age
Co-designing with public servants at the centre, The Mandarin