He’s helping others to improved health

Michael Appleton (pictured) is no stranger to the mental health system and as the nation celebrates Mental Health Awareness Week this week, he remains dedicated to helping others.

Using his own experiences with mental health problems over the past 38 years, Mr Appleton, 49, wanted to support people with mental illness, so in 1993 he founded the Ryde Mental Health Consumer Network, which became the Northern Sydney Mental Health Consumer Network in 1994.

His own experiences with mental health began when he was first admitted to Prince Henry Psychiatric unit when he was 12, and later spent time in adult units at Broughton Hall (Rozelle Hospital). He spent four years in Gladesville and Macquarie (then called North Ryde Psychiatric Hospital) hospitals from the age of 16 to 20.

Since that time, Mr Appleton has been helping others in the community in Melbourne and Sydney. A Gladesville resident for the past 19 years, he has been an active advocate for the rights of people with mental health problems.

Today, he remains an active member of the network and works out of the Ryde Mental Health Service site in Eastwood.

Like many people, he’s been the subject of many diagnoses over the years, from personality disorder (aged 11) followed by schizophrenia and manic depression (bipolar) to the age of 19.

One doctor told him that he didn’t have a formal diagnosis before, another told him “you can pick your own”.

It wasn’t until 2002 that a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder was given and treatment - that made a difference - began. He attributes his recovery to helping others and trying to improve the system for other people receiving care through the mental health system.

For more information about Mental Health Awareness Week (October 8-15) go to www.mentalhealth.asn.au

Ryde Mental Health Service, 39-41 Fourth Avenue, Eastwood, phone 9858 7777.

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