A PAST pupil who struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts before turning her life around has returned to her old school to inspire a new generation of students.

Lisa Duffield, who left Ripon Grammar School to move to Australia after her parents’ marriage broke down, now works as a professional therapist, specialising in health and wellbeing.

Her honest talk was one of a number of student well-being activities - including fitness, yoga and meditation sessions - held throughout the week at the school, which has recently opened a new pastoral care centre.

Ms Duffield told hundreds of lower school students how she was extremely unhappy at home from the age of 14.

The turning point came when she told friends about her feelings and they advised her to talk to a counsellor, where she got the professional help she desperately needed.

She told students: “I am telling you this story to explain to you how you need to reach out. Don’t suffer in silence.”