Chief Executive Officer of the Bellevue Hospital, Suzette Buchanan is encouraging those suffering with mental illness to break the silence.

She stressed that mental illness is not a mark of shame.

Ms. Buchanan, who has been named International Mental Health Advocate of the year, by the Mental Health Foundation of Australia, said the award is proof, that advocacy matters, and that together, everyone can build a world, where no one suffers in silence.

Ms. Buchanan also noted that the award is a reminder that her determination to spark change has not been in vain.

She will travel to Melbourne to accept the award, at the 8th Annual Australian Mental Health Award Ceremony, on October 4.