AS the world marks Mental Health Day on Friday, Ipswich woman Hannah Hyatt is using her story to remind people that mental health matters every day.
Ms Hyatt is more than just a label – she is a passionate advocate for mental health.
An experienced national mental health advocate and peer worker, she draws on her own lived experience with schizophrenia and PTSD to contribute to improved mental health services, particularly for young people.
“Being diagnosed with such a stigmatised condition has allowed me to have increased empathy for others who have experienced stigmatisation and discrimination due to their diagnosis,” Ms Hyatt said.
“Schizophrenia is such a stigmatised condition so reminding others that we are whole humans with a lot to offer – regardless of our diagnosis – is important to me.”
Her advocacy has been recognised many times over.
She was named Ipswich City Council’s Young Citizen of the Year in 2018, awarded the Mercy Medallion at St Mary’s College, and included in the list of the most influential Ipswich people under 30 in 2022.
Most recently, she graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of Human Services (Mental Health and Addiction).
“Resilience to me means being able to overcome all the bad stuff and live a life that’s purposeful to me,” she said.
“Practising self-care and having boundaries around what I’m comfortable sharing is essential when protecting my wellbeing. I’ve had a lot of practice at this!”
That resilience has led her to her dream role as Peer Practice Lead and Mental Health Worker at Neami.
“Getting this role feels great and kind of surreal. I never expected that volunteering could lead me to such an influential role where I can make real change,” she said.
“It’s focussed on championing lived/living experience, supporting and helping to create spaces where people feel heard, valued, and empowered. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to turn my lived/living experience into expertise and a career.
“From humble beginnings as a volunteer at headspace to now, I can’t help but feel incredibly lucky and thankful for it all.”
With Mental Health Day as a timely reminder, Hannah has a powerful message.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned about mental health is that everyone has it, and so many people struggle with it at some point in their lives,” she said.
“You don’t need to deal with it on your own. It won’t be this bad forever – I promise you that.
“Ask for help, advocate for yourself, take the first step. It will be worth it. You are worth it.”
Her advocacy is also about breaking down damaging stereotypes.
“We’re not a stereotype. We are your sister, your friend, your colleague, and we deserve compassion and understanding.”
