Fi is a SANE Peer Ambassador. Her lived experience of anxiety, depression, and PTSD extends past her own personal conditions. As a carer for her child, who throughout her teens had mental health challenges, Fi knows all too well the best way to improve anyone’s mental health and overall wellbeing is to take ownership of it. 

For over 40 years Fi has managed her own fluctuating anxiety and PTSD, along with other chronic health conditions. Providing ongoing parental care and support to her child has been a journey that has seen Fi constantly reassess support options as they continue to try and be their very best. 

SANE spoke to Fi as part of Women’s Health Week 2023 about the emphasis she places on drawing on a wide range of supporters, both human and animal, to help deal with the family’s complex mental health issues. 

Fi advocates that ‘ownership’ is the best way to deal with complex mental health, combined with a mix of formal and informal support. In Fi’s case her Labradoodle, named Noodle, has provided much needed constant care and support. 

“I know it’s my responsibility to ensure I feel well myself, first and foremost, so I can support others and get done what I need to do,” she says. Fi is now healthy, managing her symptoms, and her child lives independently with Noodle.