The speech, delivered at the rural health club ball on Saturday night, revealed the inner struggle of people with mental illness.

“The most damaging part of my mental health journey was receiving that label (bipolar disorder),” Ms Brunskill said.

“I felt that my relationships, my career, would be characterised by a set of symptoms that determined my destiny.

“These adverse experiences we go through in life are our initiations, to step past fear as another opportunity to embody more of ourselves through this growth – because the human experience is one of evolution.”

Anyone needing support can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.