I was in a situation where I had been discharged from treatment services and had to cope on my own. Any form of treatment can actually feel like a comfort blanket in case something else goes wrong. But that’s where your mindset needs to change. it is so important not to think of a recovery as a temporary process, but to focus on making the small daily changes required to make the most of the life you have right now.

Now more than ever, our entire world seems to be ruled by social media. hey can often breed hurtful and dangerous messages. Bombardments of heavily photoshopped images, celebrity endorsed weight loss products, tabloid articles wrongfully critiquing women’s bodies and unrealistic portrayals of everyday life are all things that I know have negatively affected me and those close to me. 

I was bullied all through secondary school for my size (x large), my height (tall), my glasses (worn), and my studies (always in the library). The very same things I used to be bullied for are the same things that kick started my career. I started working internationally as a plus-size model, working with some great established brands.

When I was 29 I had a breakdown. I’d switch between staring at the wall, not feeling anything and sobbing into my pillow. My thoughts got darker, less rational and more intrusive. I can’t tell anyone how to feel. Especially if, like I was, you’re not feeling anything at all. But I can tell you that this is not permanent. No matter how long it’s been, how often it is. 

3 years ago, I attempted suicide. It was not the first attempt on my life, it was not the last, but it was the overdose where I nearly lost my life. Sharing this publicly, takes a lot of courage and a lot of vulnerability but there is something beautiful in being able to be so vulnerable with other people and I am writing this, in the hope that it will help show someone that they are not alone and to also aid in de-fuelling the stigma that surrounds suicidal ideation, trauma and mental illness.

Cancer literally saved my life and I want to tell you why and help break down the stigma around living with a ‘terminal’ condition. I may have terminal cancer. I may, at the time of writing, have tumours in my liver and lungs and around my heart, but I feel more alive and healthier and happier than I’ve ever felt before. My days are filled with joy, connection and love and that’s not despite the cancer, it’s because of it.

I tolerated negative things that affected my mental health and knew I had to make a change. I encourage others to be there true and complete selves. Live your life for you.

Most people haven’t heard of the condition Scoliosis and unfortunately for those that have, a lot of people have the perception that Scoliosis is “just” a curve in the spine. I was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 12 and had spinal fusion surgery at the age of 14. Physically I might have been fixed but my mental health started to take a gradual decline. 

I’ve personally struggled with mental health issues throughout my academic journey – bullying and hateful comments being one of the major causes for these. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety during my degree after reaching out to the Student Wellbeing centre and being directed to the doctors.

I campaign to raise awareness for people with visible & hidden differences such as scarring, health and skin conditions. I challenge the fashion industry, brands, Media and society to be more Diverse & Inclusive.