BYRON BAY girl Krystal Fysh now lives in Pottsville after a successful stint as an award-winning travel agent in Runaway Bay, Gold Coast.
Krystal’s still in the travel game, but works from home now so she can offer mobile travel booking and ticketing services from Ballina to the Gold Coast.
In her spare time, Krystal loves to promote LIVIN, a not-for-profit charity founded to wipe out the stigma on mental illness and raise awareness for suicide prevention.
As Krystal says, “So many people whom I love have had their hearts broken this week, mine included.
“We need to reach as many people as possible with info about organizations like LVIN so they know that help is out there.
The LIVIN logo, featuring the organisatio’s slogan It Ain’t Weak to Speak is very close to Krystal’s heart.
She urges our readers to allow these words to be a symbol of hope.
“These words can liberate you and give you strength; they can encourage you to talk about the things that burden you or give you the strength to reach out to your mates and ask “Are you ok?” Or “I need help”.
Statistics say that one-in-four people will suffer some form of mental illness during their lifetime. They also show that suicide is the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 14 and 44.
“This needs to change and we need to do it now,” says Krystal.
“This is a problem that has been swept under the rug for far too long, so talk to your friends, your family, your boss or your neighbour.
“Reach out and let someone know that you’re struggling. It may just be the conversation that changes your life and theirs.
She says people adopting the principle of It Ain’t Weak to Speak can be empowered to break free from the stigma of mental illness.
“Get talking. Any talking is better than no talking…. a problem shared is a problem halved.
“Share your story as you just don’t know who you may inspire. Let’s help each other start LIVIN again. The system is flawed and we need to come together and to create a positive change.
Krystal urges anyone feeling a “bit lost” to reach out.
“Please don’t EVER feel like you have to suffer in silence.”
Find out more at LIVIN’s website