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Bronwyn Collins, 21 year-old beyondblue ambassador says it's no small thing talking publicly about one's depression.

She is a student of the La Trobe University, who has been suffering from major anxiety and depression since the age 15. Ms Collins hopes that she can help others overcome the stigma of depression by going public.

As ambassador for beyondblue, I get to tell others they are not alone, that the illness is very common.

Ms Collins has been hospitalized twice for being a danger to herself.

I was 15 when I started getting the panic attacks before I went to bed. I would be so scared I couldn't go to sleep so I would be stuck with negative thoughts and lie awake all night.

Eventually I was getting physically sick and developed migraines and became sick in the stomach.

According to a report released by beyondblue, mental illness is the main contributor to disease and injury among young Australians.

For Ms Collins, her life started to change after a friend suggested she seek help.

I didn't tell my parents but eventually, when it got out, my mum took action and took me to the family GP.

Because of the early treatment, she was able to make her dreams come true - to complete high school and study for a marketing degree.

I'm over the worst part now. I'm keeping fit and eating properly - that has made the difference.

Visit www.beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 2246 36 for more information about beyondblue.

Bipolar disorder Depression