ALYCE Potter is urging the community to shine a light for life this festive season.
The Kingsley resident and mum of two said after her own experiences with anxiety and depression, it was important for her to raise awareness and share hope to those who may be struggling.
“When Christmas Day came around in 2011, I realised I wasn’t feeling how I normally would, and I broke down to my parents,” she said.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“Christmas is a time of joy, but for some it’s a very difficult time.”
More than 40,000 West Australians called the national Lifeline service from 2016-17, with the festive season remaining Lifeline WA’s busiest time of the year.
Ms Potter said she didn’t believe at the time she could overcome her mental illness, but she recovered with the support of family, friends and professional help.
She’s now part of Lifeline’s seasonal Shine A Light For Life campaign, and encouraged anyone facing mental health struggles to speak out to loved ones, friends or colleagues.
Ms Potter said she plans to practice self-care during the festive season, including quality time with her family.
“I love Christmas, and it’s now even more special seeing the joy in my children at Christmas,” she said.
You can donate to Lifeline WA at lifelinewa.org.au, and upload your special Christmas lights photos to social media with the caption ‘I am helping #shinealightforlife’.
No one needs to face their problems alone this Christmas, and Lifeline is available to call on 13 11 14 any hour of the day.
MORE: New safe passing distance laws are now in effect with State Govt warning of $400 fines
MORE: Police hold serious concerns after woman goes missing from Joondalup Health Campus
MORE: Town of Bassendean to fly rainbow flag in place of own flag for 3 months