Growing up in an environment that led to youth homelessness and mental illnesses, Brea’s journey has been one full of ups and downs.
Previously lacking purpose while feeling lost and in complete disarray, the woman that stands today is filled with confidence and strength, with so much wisdom and love to give.
“I’m pretty well known for being an advocate for mental health and wellbeing, and self-esteem and body confidence for youth and women,” Miss Dorsett said.
“I guess I just want to be the change and be that person I wanted when I was younger.”
Following a stretch of couch-surfing as a teen, Miss Dorsett lived in Shepparton youth accommodation service the Youth Foyer, returning in 2020 to volunteer her coaching skills and mentor young people whose position she was in not so long ago.
“The Youth Foyer reached out to me and said, ‘we can see you’ve grown so much, we’d love to see you mentor a student or two’,” she said.
“I didn’t want to just help one or two, I wanted to help as many as I can.”
Through Miss Dorsett’s creation of the three-month program for residents, her own business ValYou Health and Wellness was born, working to empower young people and provide tools for everyday life covering body image, self-love, exercise and health, and forms of acceptance.
While her journey to helping others isn’t stopping anytime soon, Miss Dorsett still openly battles her own demons, seeing this as a reflection of the person she’s become and how much growth she’s capable of.
“Obviously I still struggle, it’s not something that just goes away,” she said.
“At the end of the day our mind is always going to be our mind.
“I exercise every day, I meditate, I journal. It’s about becoming my own best friend and being able to validate myself.”
Implementing methods of self-love and self-care accompanied by professional help has led Miss Dorsett to a new way of life, but one that didn’t come easily.
Seeking help still has negative connotations, making it a difficult feat for anyone.
“Especially in relation to mental health, it’s okay to get help,” she said.
“I got to a point where I knew I couldn’t go on if I didn’t get help, I didn’t want to feel this way anymore.
“No-one wants to feel the way they do when they’re experiencing mental illness — you shouldn’t feel guilty for seeking help.”
Miss Dorsett’s experience has taught her so many things, but one main element is the importance of being real.
Opening up the conversation when you’re not feeling well, pushing yourself to do self-care; not just bubble baths but the hard yards of reality, cleaning, grocery shopping.
“There’s so much more to life, everyone has such huge potential,” Miss Dorsett said.
“You really can do anything you put your mind to, don’t let mental health be that barrier.
“Mental illness is still an illness, it’s okay to get help. It’s scary to get help, but it’s scarier not to.
“This is a real issue and a real thing, we need to start having the conversation.”
For crisis and counselling services, call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or visit ReachOut.com.
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