Colourful kisses for Liptember initiative in Gladstone

In the decade since she first started experiencing panic attacks, a Central Queensland woman has become a mental health champion simply by smacking on some loud lippy.

Cat Rotondo from Gladstone is fundraising for women's mental health.

Ten years ago, Cat Rotondo started suffering from panic attacks that included physical symptoms like her body tensing and throat closing.

When she was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, she started seeing a psychologist who she still regularly sees now.

“I first got involved with Liptember about a decade ago as a coincidence,” Ms Rotondo said.

“I fell in love with the idea, and I’ve been part of it every year since.”

Cat said that in the years she had participated in Liptember, she already felt that perceptions of mental health had changed.

“When people used to ask me why I was wearing colourful lipstick and I told them it was to raise awareness for mental health they would lose a bit of interest.

“Now, it’s opened up some really beautiful conversations for me where people can relate to the cause in some way.”

Cat Rotondo and her cat, Mica. Picture: Supplied.

“Initiatives like Liptember are so important in regional areas like Gladstone.

“Not only do we have different problems with family and with industry, but I was lucky to have instant access to a mental healthcare professional who really understood me.

“I know that a lot of other people don’t share that experience, which can make the mental health struggle so much harder.”

The Liptember initiative was started in 2010, and has raised over $14 million to date.

Part of Cat’s personal promise is to wear the lipstick colour of anyone’s choosing, as long as they promise to donate to the cause.

“Sharing my story did make me feel really vulnerable, but if it can make a difference to another woman the way that it’s made a difference to me then it’s worth it.”