The SANE Blog

As we reach the end of Schizophrenia Awareness Week, we’re sharing the inspiring story of Sandra and Kym, a devoted couple whose life journey together has been shaped by Kym 's diagnosis of schizophrenia. Their story is one of resilience, love, and unwavering commitment to understanding and supporting each other through every challenge and triumph.

Evan holds a Diploma in Community Development from RMIT University and possesses a diverse professional background. Evan's career has spanned roles in sales, fashion, building, finances and even conducting funerals. However, Evan's life took a significant turn when he was diagnosed with schizophrenia.  

Sarah was 15 years old, when her eldest brother Peter, then 21, was 'coward punched' at a party, resulting in a broken jaw and an acquired brain injury. One year later, in 1992, her youngest brother Ben, aged 17, was diagnosed with schizophrenia. 

These events marked the beginning of a journey that would not only bring challenges but also inspire a lifelong commitment to mental health advocacy. 

At just 44 years old Arlene suffered from a stroke. From that moment, everything changed … including a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.  

Dov was 19 years old when he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder but that hasn't stopped him from living a successful and accomplished life.  

Introducing Dr Carissa Coulston-Parkinson - the brains behind SANE’s latest series of blog posts, including topics on the Power of Psychology, International Men’s Day and Women’s Day, Human Rights Day, Challenges of the Festive Season, Adapting to the New Year, and Returning to School (just to name a few). 

Dr Coulston-Parkinson is a compassionate and dedicated Clinical Psychologist with a profound understanding of complex mental health conditions. She has specialist knowledge in the areas of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, intellectual disability, personality disorders, traumatic brain injury, and neurological conditions. Her research publications can be viewed here, and her expertise and insights into some of these conditions will continue on the SANE Blog this year.

I grew up completely ‘normal’, or at least in my own narrow mind it was. I did what I wanted when I wanted, went places without physical challenges, social or emotional. Played community and school sports, performed in bands, productions – I was absolutely, “normal”. I had no true understanding or construct of disability - or so I thought. I thought that because I had no form of diagnosed disability, I was much like everyone else and everything in my life I was exposed to. I saw disability as, “different”. How wrong I was.  

Tanya is a SANE Peer Ambassador. She recently reflected on how getting involved in lived experience work gave her tools for coping with distress. 

My journey has seen me go from serving in the Australian Army to being self-employed. My life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with mental illness in 2008, following a sexual assault. I have lived with the impacts of bipolar affective disorder, complex PTSD, and psychosis for over 20 years. 

Lesley is a SANE Peer Ambassador with a lived experience of complex mental health.  SANE spoke to NSW resident Lesly about her experience in managing her health in the lead up to Mental Health Awareness Month 2023.