On the road to wellbeing
MENTAL health commissioner Nicole Gibson has embarked on a three-month adventure in a bid to help more people overcome life’s challenges.
The 23-year-old Gold Coaster, who is also chief executive of The Rogue and Rouge Foundation, is travelling to six countries to expand her understanding of human dynamics, community and wellbeing.
While working in the mental health sector, Ms Gibson said she realised most people’s pains came from an inability to “let go and accept change”.
She said it inspired her to leave everything behind and push herself mentally, emotionally and spiritually to show that “no transformation is ever easy”.
“My path has branched in several directions; political, entrepreneurship and leadership,” she said.
“This has been an organic process, rewarded to me throughout my mission to conquer the mental health epidemic in Australia.
“I wanted time to really be sure my path had taken the right path, to know that where I’m heading is where I can make the most impact, and where will create the most happiness for me.”
Ms Gibson overcame anorexia nervosa as a teenager and has since dedicated her life to reversing the stigmatisation of mental health, body image and self-esteem issues.
She is currently in the US and expects to return to the Gold Coast at the end of the month.
“(I’m) excited to tackle some new projects and recon- nect with my team,” she said.
“I’m eager to finish my book, as well as put together a video project I’ve been working on while being away; inspired by the idea that no state of mind, or emotion is permanent.
“I’m showing this through recording daily reflections throughout my whole trip.”
Ms Gibson is the youngest commissioner for health in Commonwealth history.
Her accolades have included the Pride of Australia Inspiration medal and being named one of Australia’s top 100 most influential women under 21.
In 2012, she spent a year living in her van and facilitating workshops around Australia.
“It’s been beautiful to enter this journey of self-discovery,” she said about her current trip.
“I just finished hiking the Inca Trail – it was one of the most mentally and physically challenges I’ve ever undertaken.
“The message behind my trip is that we must, always, come to our own clarity and truth before taking actions that impact others.”