A little less serious

Name: Beth Cousens

Age: 26

Where are you right now- tell us what you can see?

I’m in my studio taking a break from work! I see a piano, guitar, all my equipment and a big glass of Milo!

What did you have for breakfast?

Cereal – pretty boring!

What are you usually doing at 11pm?

Sleeping or trying to convince my dog to go to sleep

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I don’t know how to ride a bike! I was obsessed with roller blades as a kid so just never learned, now I’m 26 and still can’t!

 

A little more serious

 

Tell us a bit about your story? What defines you?

It’s taken me a long to time recognise the strength and resilience that’s always existed in me. But now I believe that’s what makes me who I am. For about ten years I “survived” through life rather than lived it, but now I do my best to live and breathe positivity.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your life?

When I was 10 years old I was put through an extremely traumatic experience. This trauma caused by a complete stranger made my family move from our home town in the country to Sydney. Because I was so young, I never fully processed what had happened and developed PTSD in the form of Anorexia. The control I lost through my trauma was reformed in to control over my food. When I was 16 I was hospitalised, but was treated by people who were not qualified and was continuously told by staff that I didn’t have a “real” illness, that sick people deserved my hospital bed. This only traumatised me more and after a month of this mistreatment I was removed from the hospital program. The years following I struggled with trusting people’s help and relied heavily on my own strength and understanding of my mind. To be honest I’m amazed I am here telling the story. I tried to reach out again at age 24, only to be told by a professional “eat a burger, you’ll be fine”. Again, this left me feeling helpless and felt like I had nowhere to go for proper help.

How did you overcome that challenge?

I met the most amazing person who enabled me to find myself and come to terms with a lot of my fears. He helped me see the strength and power I had in myself the whole time to overcome my challenges. He is now my husband and continues to support, love and inspire me daily. He has helped me to find confidence in medical treatment again and I have now found the right treatment that will help me, along with my own determination and my husbands support. I believe I can now overcome this for good.

What is the biggest lesson you have learnt?

When all else fails, trust your ability to be strong.

What would you tell your 15year old self?

Love does exist. You are safe and strong and beautiful. You are worth every breath you take and things do get better.

What is your biggest life tip?

We don’t get given strength, just chances to be strong. Take those chances everytime.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing women today?

The feeling of being second best rather than equal.

What do you think is the biggest opportunity for women today?

We realise we can all work together to learn and overcome challenges, nothing is off limits when you have the belief in yourself and the support of others.

Finish the sentence This Is me …And I wouldn’t change a thing.