Finding the right mental health help wasn't easy for Caiti. But she kept hope

For Caiti, the on-off process in working through treatments was a roller coaster on her emotions, her finances and her hope. It reached a point, many times, when Caiti thought her mental struggles - the nightmares and the days when she could not leave the house - would be her life forever.

But Caiti persisted and this is the key message she hoped to inspire in anyone facing a mental illness.

The high school maths teacher decided to try an alternate therapy in hypnosis, even though at first it seemingly tested her scientific background.

"It's okay if it doesn't work the first time, or the second time or the third time," Caiti said. "When I was going through the bulk of (finding treatment), I didn't have the money or I was restricted by who I was allowed to see outside the mental health plan....I thought, I don't want to be like this anymore.

"I heard about hypnotherapy and looked it up on Google Scholar and it came back with articles showing the science could work, so I gave it a try and it was one of the best things I did."

Caiti said everyone's mental health journey was different and people responded differently to varying therapies. She said it was important people keep exploring to find what was best for them.

Caiti is sharing her story in a Headspace-led project focusing on mental health lived experience. Headspace has been collecting community recovery stories across the Ballarat region the past six months to compile a book to celebrate mental health and to inspire others on their journey.

The project aims to collate stories varying in age, cultural background including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, family background and experiences with mental illness. Stories will feature the turning points for recovery and hope.

Headspace Ballarat's Andy Penny, who is leading the project,said recovery did not mean there were not still negative moments or days when you needed help but to know there is help and different pathways to support.

Caiti is open about her mental health struggles. She said it was important to normalise talk about mental health and for people to know it was okay to seek help.

About two years on from completing her hypnotherapy sessions, Caiti has not been back but only because she feels confident in the tool she has to manager her post-traumatic stress when it starts to flare up.

Caiti understands her triggers and ways to cope with these. She also has not had a nightmare since finishing treatment.

"I could possibly deal with some loose ends but overall, I feel I can handle my stress. I feel mentally healthy," Caiti said. "When you are recovering with anything mental health, people with lived experience are important. At the end of the day, you're all going through recovery.

"...If you live with mental illness you can still live a purposeful life and make the most of things."

- The Courier has chosen not to use Caiti's surname in this story

If you or someone you know is in need of crisis support, phone Lifeline 13 11 14.

Help is also available, but not limited, via the following organisations. The key message is you are not alone.