Lani, QLD - The challenges from difficulties with alcohol and drug use

A Contributing Life: the 2013 National Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. Thriving, not just surviving: One person, diverse needs: Living with a mental illness as well as the challenges from difficulties with alcohol and drug use.
Lani was diagnosed with bipolar 2 and ADHD in 2006, and began to self-medicate with alcohol. Her experience overcoming co-existing mental health and alcohol and drug use shows the benefits of whole-of-life support.
"I am now on an extensive treatment plan ... and working with my amazing husband, family and friends. I have ... a great job and I am living a life I'm proud of," Lani says.
Being supported to re-engage with the things she loves to do -- including writing and study -- helped Lani get to where she is today. "I no longer just want to survive. I want to thrive," she says.
The National Mental Health Commission has a core commitment to keeping people with lived experience at the heart of all we do. The videos from the 2013 Report Card, show us the breadth of individual experiences and the impact of mental health difficulties, beyond just the facts and figures.
Find out more at www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au