Kelly's story

Aged only four years old Kelly* was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, a behavioural condition characterised by social isolation and eccentric behaviour.

By the time she was 17 Kelly had been hospitalised for anorexia and her agoraphobia – an anxiety disorder associated with fear of public places – became worse.

Diagnosed with depression, she began to self-harm and attempted suicide three times. She then turned to alcohol and developed an addiction.

But Kelly’s life took a turn for the better when she completed an intensive 12-week program at Triple Care Farm. With professional treatment from a psychologist, Kelly began to address each of her problems.

Since completing the program in May 2010 Kelly has learnt to manage her multiple mental health issues and has conquered her reliance on alcohol.

She is taking regular medication to control her conditions and receives ongoing counselling from a mental-health service in her home town.

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Spring Appeal

Mission Australia launched the Spring Appeal in August to help raise funds for services that assist young people like Kelly who are battling mental health issues and substance abuse.

How do donations help?

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* Name and image have been changed to protect client's privacy

Help transform a troubled young life - 2010 Spring Appeal launched today

Today Mission Australia launched an appeal to raise money for young people battling severe issues such as mental health disorders and substance abuse.

An alarming 40% of young Australians aged 16 to 24 have experienced a mental health illness at some time in their lives.

This is a crisis that urgently needs to be stopped.

The appeal features Kelly's* story, a Triple Care Farm graduate who has overcome multiple mental health disorders and alcohol addiction. It is a recent example of how Mission Australia transforms young lives.

Each year Mission Australia works with 24,000 of Australia's youth, many of whom are struggling with mental illness. We not only help to identify and treat their problems, we link them to other services for further support.

Timely, specialised treatment is the key to stopping this crisis. By making a donation to this appeal, you will help fund the 93 youth services we operate that are critical to helping young people in need transform their lives.

Support young Australians today! Visit www.missionaustralia.com.au/springappeal

*Name and image have been changed to protect client's identity