Meg’s Journey with SANE 

Meg, a proud Aboriginal woman from Exmouth, Western Australia, is a 53-year-old mother of three adult children and has been married for 31 years. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 19 while serving in the Australian Army, Meg’s plans for a 20-year career were cut short by her diagnosis, which led to a medical discharge. Though the setback was “a real blow,” her “fighting spirit” kept her going. Over the years, she has struggled to maintain consistent employment, finding that work often triggered stress. Recently, she decided to focus on volunteering to stay active while managing her mental health. 

In May 2021, as part of her commitment to furthering her recovery, Meg discovered SANE during a search for mental health support services on Google. Intrigued by the potential of a digital peer community, she signed up to explore the SANE forums, an experience that would become a key part of her life and mental health journey. 

Discovering SANE: A new path to connection and support 

Meg initially found SANE’s forums and digital support a bit confusing to navigate, taking a few days to make her first post. However, she quickly adapted and was struck by the warmth and understanding within the SANE community. “It’s such a well-kept secret, and I was so excited to find it,” she recalls, describing her initial excitement. Through SANE’s peer support services, Meg began to feel a renewed sense of belonging. She now regularly participates in the forums, Recovery Club sessions, and webinars, including Indigenous and veterans’ hubs. “My experiences with SANE have been 99% positive, and overall, I have been extremely happy with the service,” she says. 

Impact on mental health and resilience 

Reflecting on her progress since joining SANE, Meg describes a profound shift in her mental health. “Over the past three years, my mental health has significantly improved. I am stronger, more resilient, more confident, and more willing to put myself out there.” The peer-led discussions and support groups have provided Meg with essential coping tools, including improved conflict management skills and an enhanced capacity for empathy. “I have more tools in my recovery toolbox,” she notes, especially around self-care and self-compassion. 

The digital platform’s structured discussions have also given Meg a new perspective on managing her bipolar disorder, helping her “handle conflict better in general” and making her more compassionate toward others’ struggles. She now approaches others with empathy, saying, “You just never know what is going on for another person in their life.” 

The role of RecoveryClub and peer-led insights 

One of the most impactful aspects of Meg’s journey with SANE has been her involvement with the Recovery Club. “Recovery Club is like a springboard,” she explains, “it helps me think about things I might not otherwise.” The group’s regular topics on self-care, empowerment and personal growth have encouraged her to adopt new strategies for managing her mental health. Meg describes a recent session where another member spoke about learning to “be there for myself.” This concept resonated deeply, inspiring her to explore self-compassion and independent coping strategies, something she hadn’t previously considered. 

The encouragement Meg receives from SANE’s peer workers has also been transformative. “When I’m having a bad day, people are there for me, and they will lift you up,” she says, explaining the sense of safety and understanding she feels in the community. SANE’s Recovery Club has provided her with a unique blend of structure and flexibility, helping her connect deeply with others while learning practical skills for daily life. 

Support beyond the Forums: Mentorship and professional development 

Meg’s relationship with SANE has sparked new ambitions. Inspired by the peer workers who have guided her, she recently applied for a scholarship to pursue a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work. “I’ve seen how helpful peer support workers are, and I want to be that person for someone else,” she says. When she struggled with her application, a SANE staff member went “above and beyond” to help her, offering feedback and even a reference. “I couldn’t be more grateful to this person. They made my application much stronger.” 

As Meg looks forward to potentially joining SANE’s Lived Experience Advisory Committee, she hopes to use her journey to help shape SANE’s future services. “I would like to be a change maker in the mental health system and step into the peer support space. I want to hold hope for others in their recovery journeys until they can hold hope for themselves.” 

Overcoming challenges in the digital space 

While her experience has been overwhelmingly positive, Meg has faced occasional challenges within the forums, including conflicts with other users. She reflects on these incidents as rare but challenging, noting that “we must remember that some users can be in particularly vulnerable states due to varying levels of wellness.” These moments have tested her patience and resilience, but SANE’s moderation team has always been quick to offer support and address any issues. For Meg, the challenges have been learning experiences, reinforcing her growth in handling conflict. 

The power of digital mental health support 

Meg feels strongly about the importance of accessible, online mental health support, especially for those who might otherwise feel isolated. “Without SANE Forums, I would not have a community around me that understands my issues and who is unwaveringly supportive of me,” she says. She credits the digital platform with fostering a sense of connection and understanding that has been “life-changing.” Aware of SANE’s resource constraints, she hopes for continued and expanded government funding for the platform, advocating that “SANE Forums are a lifeline for so many people across Australia that are all looking for hope and understanding.” 

Looking forward 

Meg’s commitment to SANE is unwavering, and she plans to stay connected to the community that has supported her so profoundly. “I don’t know where I would be without SANE,” she reflects. Her journey with SANE has not only transformed her own recovery but has fuelled her desire to give back, shaping her into a passionate advocate for mental health support. As she continues to work on her personal growth and professional aspirations, Meg stands as a testament to the impact that compassionate, peer-led digital mental health support can have on individuals and their communities. 

SANE provides a range of free telephone and online support services for people over 18 years of age with complex mental health needs and their family, friends and carers. We offer different types and levels of support so you can find what works for you. Choose from counselling, peer support, online groups and events, 24/7 community forums, and online information and resources. Learn more at sane.org/get-support.