A woman who survived a suicide attempt has produced a documentary with her friend about her experience with depression and anxiety to help improve people's mental health.

It will be shown for the first time at the YMCA in Tovil, Maidstone, this Saturday.

Adel Murphy, the creator and subject of the film, said: "This documentary is a very personal story of mine, sharing my journey and path to acceptance of who I am.

"It is without a doubt the most powerful, emotional and uplifting project I have ever done in my life and I cannot wait to share it with the world."

Adel, who lives in Maidstone, has been visiting schools and organisations across Kent speaking about her experiences.

Working with Chris Newberry from Wildwood Media, a Kent-based production agency, she was able self-fund the programme which she hopes will provide extra support for the people she speaks to, as well as anyone else struggling with their mental health.

Following a failed suicide attempt in April 2016, Adel decided to make a big change and move from Dublin, Ireland, to England and dedicate her life to improving her mental health, as well as the mental health of others.

She said: "I knew the only way I could change my life was by taking a different path and finding a way to become a better version of myself.

"My belief is that depression never goes away but you learn how to deal with it and manage things with coping mechanisms."

The screening will explore Adel's move to the UK, as well as her experiences of bullying and other life-changing events that took place in her life such as her father being diagnosed with cancer and watching her sister being resuscitated in front of her.

One way in which Adel improved her mental health was through fitness and becoming a muscle model. Competing in championships was something she wanted to do since she was 18 years old but people's comments stopped her from pursuing her passion.

In 2017, she entered her first competition and came first place in the Pure Elite UK Championships in the 35+ category. The fitness model then went on to compete in the Miami Pro Federation European Championships, placing 3rd and 4th, and the Pure Elite World Championship, placing 5th.

She said: "The gym got me out of bed in the mornings, it motivated me. Before that I would struggle to just do day to day things."

The film is a way for Adel to celebrate her successes and reach as many people as possible.

She said: "I truly believe the documentary is very powerful for schools and organisations to utilise and try to help inspire more people to be part of a community where they don't feel excluded."

If you are interested in attending the first watch of Adel's inspiring documentary you can find details on her website or her Facebook event.

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time.

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