Cara O'Neill

Swimming for me and young australians

Suicide remains the leading cause of death for young people in Australia. More than 1 in 3 are experiencing mental health difficulties, yet over a million are not getting the support they need. I was diagnosed Autistic, ADHD and OCD only 2 years ago in my mid 20s and it took me falling into autistic burnout to be recognised and receive the support I desperately needed. If I had this level of self awareness and support in my adolescence, I know I likely would have never reached the point of severe burnout. I still am recovering from it today but now I aim to use my experience and what I have learnt about mental health to help support young people so they never have to reach the level of mental horror I survived. ReachOut provides anonymous, free and 100% online services so young people can find a safe place to connect, share and get help when life feels overwhelming. With my additional physical disabilities, swimming is the best way for me to exercise and manage my chronic pain. With this program I am not only swimming for my overall health but to help support the health of the youth in our community. I’m taking part in Laps for Life to make sure these vital services are always there. Please donate to my fundraiser and help more young people get the support they deserve.