Elise turns life around

Bentley resident Elise Nazzari struggled to see the good in life after falling victim to severe bullying.

Anxiety, depression and no will to live followed.

Now, the 20-year-old Miss Humanity Australia Pageant entrant has turned her life around and is hoping to help others do the same.

"I was bullied quite severely in high school and was also the recipient of adult bullying, something that caused me to develop severe depression and anxiety to the point where I could no longer attend school," Ms Nazzari said.

"Unfortunately for me, I did not have support networks around me to encourage me to stay in school and to assist me with problems."

Ms Nazzari said she struggled with her mental health and felt lost, which led her to attempt to take her life.

"This is something I am now, as a mentally strong and confident young woman, able to be quite open about," she said.

"Sharing my story with others is something I see as a way I can show people who may be experiencing the same issues as I did that they are not alone, and that it is possible to come out of adversity to achieve all your hopes and dreams."

Ms Nazzari decided to enter the pageant, which focuses on the humanitarian accomplishments of entrants, to make positive change happen.

The sociology and anthropology student is a volunteer at the Indigenous Mentoring Experience.

It allows indigenous school students to connect with university students to help transition from high school to higher education.

Also a Miss Galaxy Australia finalist, she has raised $3250 for Make-A-Wish Australia.

By entering the two pageants, Ms Nazzari hopes to build a platform to implement social investment programs aimed at youth and those with less opportunity.

"I want to make a difference to the lives of young women," she said.

"I hope to be a positive role model who can talk on issues others previously have not, supposedly taboo issues such as youth mental health, bullying and suicide, that really need to be brought to light."

If you, or someone you know, is in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www. lifeline.org.au or call beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.

n The reporter is not related to Elise Nazzari.