Amira, 17, previously took part in The Push-Up Challenge, driven by her desire to improve both her physical and mental well-being. After experiencing her own struggles with mental illness, Amira has found that physical fitness has been an important part of her recovery.
“The Push-Up Challenge’s message of mental health awareness really spoke out to me,” she explained. “I wanted to be a part of the mission. My friend group was invested in the Challenge, and we encouraged each other right through to the end. The sense of achievement was unbeatable, it definitely outweighed the exhaustion!”
For Amira, participating in the challenge is more than just a physical feat. She highlighted the urgent need for mental health advocacy, noting, “42.9% of Australians aged 16-85 have experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life¹. Mental disorders are more common now than ever, we are experiencing an epidemic that needs to be addressed. Those who are experiencing mental illness need to know they are not alone and that it’s okay to get help.”
Amira's passion for mental health awareness is deeply personal. Amira opens up about her own experience and struggles with depression, including moments of fear, isolation, and self-harm. Reflecting on those times, she says, “One incident included the ambulance being called and a hospital visit. I was scared and I felt alone. Every time I self-harmed I felt confused, ashamed and disgusted with myself.” These challenges impacted every aspect of Amira’s life, leaving her disengaged and distanced from everyone around her. “I had always loved school and was a high achiever, but when I was depressed, my grades were of no consequence to me, and getting out of bed for school seemed pointless.”
“Mental illness makes relationships difficult, as it’s so hard to understand from an outside perspective.”
Amira found her turning point through the support of her boyfriend, friends, and family. Their encouragement helped her redirect her energy into healthier outlets. “Instead of self-harming and engaging in self-destructive behaviours, I spent more time in the gym,” she said. “I replaced the pain that left scars on my body with a pain that allowed me to cultivate self-discipline and grow physically stronger. This gave me a new confidence in my own potential.”
Today, Amira is pursuing a passion for health and well-being by studying Health Sciences at Curtin University. She believes that fundraising for mental health initiatives is vital. “It is crucial that those who are mentally suffering know there is a way out and that they are fully capable of healing and growth,” she stressed. Charities, she says, are indispensable in providing help and empowering individuals.
Amira has a clear message for participants taking on the Challenge: “You will not regret it. Through the Challenge, you’ll unlock both a physical and mental strength you didn’t know you possessed. Tell your friends and family too, it’s a group initiative. You never know who around you is struggling, and it’s never too much trouble to check in on them.”
Amira shares her advice for those navigating their own mental health journeys, “Mental fitness is essential in allowing a person to flourish physically, socially, and professionally. Never be scared or embarrassed to ask for help, it’s the first step to moving forward. Your past encounters with mental illness are not a reminder of your weakness, rather, they are a reminder of your strength, your resilience, and your growth into the person you are now.”
Lifeline is available 24 hours a day to listen, without judgement. If you or someone you know needs crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or text on 0477 13 11 14.
Read more lived experience stories from others who have been impacted by mental health challenges on our Stories page.
