Australian Survivor star El Rowland quits the army after 13 years to help 'others in need' after her own 'horrific' battle with postnatal depression
El Rowland felt like a 'failure' after suffering from postnatal depression five years ago, leaving her in a 'hopeless pit'.
During her traumatic ordeal, the Australian Survivor contestant made a vow to herself that she would dedicate her life to helping others in need.
And the 33-year-old has made good on her promise, revealing on Instagram on Sunday that she has quit her job as a corporal in the Australian army after 13 years to pursue a new line of work.
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New start: El Rowland revealed on Instagram on Sunday that she's quit her job in the Australian army after 13 years to pursue a new line of work
She said: '5 years ago I made a promise to the world after going through a horrific life changing experience.
'My promise was that if I managed to somehow miraculously get out of the hopeless pit I was drowning in, that I would dedicate my life to helping others in need.
'Since that day I have honoured that promise and now to the point that I am saying goodbye to 13 years of serving my country full time to welcoming a new season of bringing hope into the lives of those who need it. Particularly young women.'
Dark times: The 33-year-old felt like a 'failure' after suffering from postnatal depression five years ago, leaving her in a 'hopeless pit'
Last year, El opened up to News Corp about her harrowing experience with postnatal depression after the birth of her son Darcy in 2012.
After being posted to Brisbane, a number of factors - including a difficult birth and an inability to breastfeed - left the reality star in a dark place.
She said: 'I've never experienced depression and anxiety in my life and it was such a big hole, I didn't see the light.
Feeling blue: After being posted to Brisbane, a number of factors - including a difficult birth and an inability to breastfeed - left the reality star in a dark place
'I didn't see myself getting better and I lost all of my hope, which was a really scary thing to feel.
'I also felt I lost my identity, I felt like I didn't really know who I was anymore. I felt my mind failed me. I felt like a failure being a mum.'
El, who finished third on season three of Survivor, has received support from the man she met on the show, Lee Carseldine, as she embarks on a new career.
Proud partner: El, who finished third on season three of Survivor, has received support from the man she met on the show, Lee Carseldine (L), as she embarks on a new career
The pair grew close during the course of the series, confirming their relationship when they left the show.
Posting on Instagram on Sunday, Lee shared an emotional tribute to his partner.
He wrote: 'Proud of this girl. After serving her country full-time for 13 years she has decided to chase a promise to herself and help lives that are in need of guidance and support especially young women.
'She is an unbelievably strong woman with so much to offer the world and can't wait to see her reach her full potential and make a real difference.'
Daily Mail reached out to El for comment.
Touching tribute: Posting on Instagram on Sunday, Lee shared an emotional tribute to his partner
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