When I moved to Australia I thought my dreams would come true and my problems would go away. I didn't prepare for the possibility I may become unwell, I didn't take out health insurance, seek a therapist or a doctor. I didn't know how to pay for all that and it took me months to get around to setting up medicare. However, the reality was that I did become unwell, very unwell, and was held on a psychiatric ward under the mental health act within weeks on moving to Sydney.
Luckily, I had been in touch with Mood Active in a bid to find an affordable alternative to expensive doctors and pricey gym memberships. At first, I joined as a means of staying active but in reality the program became much more. It created routine, support and motivation to stay active and stay well. I went from a couple classes a week to 4,5 sometimes 6.
Whilst living with type 1 bipolar disorder is, for me, still a daily struggle, I have found through the program a non-judgmental support system and, of course, access to fun means of keeping fit. Thank you to the City of Sydney for enabling me to gain so much.