Holding on to Hope

Meet Davina, a talented journalist and devoted mother of two daughters, Rose and Hope. On the surface, her life appears to be a compelling narrative of success, from a joyful childhood to becoming a respected news presenter for the Nine Network on both regional and national television. Yet, behind this facade of achievement, Davina grappled silently with a host of internal struggles.

Her journey took an unexpected turn when she became a mother, navigating the complex terrain of postnatal depression and the myriad challenges that accompany parenthood. While she excelled in her professional life, Davina found herself battling anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and an unrelenting pursuit of perfection in her personal life.

This episode delves into the highs and lows of Davina's journalism career, shedding light on the often-hidden struggles with mental health. Davina's story serves as a powerful reminder that reaching out for support is a testament to resilience and courage, offering hope and inspiration to others facing similar challenges.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14

Send a text to Lifeline at 0477 131 114

Chat live with Lifeline at www.lifeline.org.au

Follow @lifelineaustralia on Instagram

Follow @LifelineAust on Twitter

Like @LifelineAustralia on Facebook

CREDITS

Hosted by Ruben

Proudly presented by Lifeline

Special thanks to Tom for sharing her story.

Lifeline would like to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide and recognize those who have survived suicide attempts. And those who struggle today or in the past with thoughts of suicide, mental health issues and crisis situations, we acknowledge all those who have felt the deep impact of suicide, including those who love, care and support people experiencing suicidality and those experiencing the pain and bereavement through suicide. We respect collaboration with people who have a lived or living experience of suicide and mental health issues and value their contribution to the work we do.

Maddie, who had a turning point in year 10 that led her to address cultural taboos surrounding mental health, shares her story. She went from seeking help to becoming an advocate through mental health seminars and university challenges. Maddie discusses her journey, the role of family support, and the importance of embracing imperfection in her transformation from a cheerful, happy-go-lucky girl to facing the challenges of adolescence.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14

Send a text to Lifeline at 0477 131 114

Chat live with Lifeline at www.lifeline.org.au

Follow @lifelineaustralia on Instagram

Follow @LifelineAust on Twitter

Like @LifelineAustralia on Facebook

CREDITS

Hosted by Ruben

Proudly presented by Lifeline

Special thanks to Tom for sharing her story.

Lifeline would like to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide and recognize those who have survived suicide attempts. And those who struggle today or in the past with thoughts of suicide, mental health issues and crisis situations, we acknowledge all those who have felt the deep impact of suicide, including those who love, care and support people experiencing suicidality and those experiencing the pain and bereavement through suicide. We respect collaboration with people who have a lived or living experience of suicide and mental health issues and value their contribution to the work we do.

In this episode, we're honoured to have Uncle Monwell, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man, whose inspirational journey from personal hardships to talented musician embodies courage, hope, and a passion for change.

Uncle Monwell faced adversity, dealing with ADHD, PTSD, and self-harm in his early years. Growing up in a domestic violence environment, he learned the value of resilience and compassion.

Despite homelessness, struggles with substance abuse, gambling, and suicidal thoughts, Monwell's determination led him towards recovery and self-discovery.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14

Send a text to Lifeline at 0477 131 114

Chat live with Lifeline at www.lifeline.org.au

Follow @lifelineaustralia on Instagram

Follow @LifelineAust on Twitter

Like @LifelineAustralia on Facebook

CREDITS

Hosted by Ruben

Proudly presented by Lifeline

Special thanks to Tom for sharing her story.

Lifeline would like to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide and recognize those who have survived suicide attempts. And those who struggle today or in the past with thoughts of suicide, mental health issues and crisis situations, we acknowledge all those who have felt the deep impact of suicide, including those who love, care and support people experiencing suicidality and those experiencing the pain and bereavement through suicide. We respect collaboration with people who have a lived or living experience of suicide and mental health issues and value their contribution to the work we do.

At 27, Amanda was trapped in the pursuit of career success, leading to burnout and depression. Diagnosed with depression, she hit rock bottom and contemplated suicide, feeling isolated due to the stigma.

But Amanda didn't give up. Instead, she transformed from self-loathing to self-love. She discovered healing through mindfulness, meditation, and self-reflection.

Now, Amanda founded a mental health charity offering hope through peer support groups, workshops, and networking for those battling mental health issues.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14

Send a text to Lifeline at 0477 131 114

Chat live with Lifeline at www.lifeline.org.au

Follow @lifelineaustralia on Instagram

Follow @LifelineAust on Twitter

Like @LifelineAustralia on Facebook

CREDITS

Hosted by Ruben

Proudly presented by Lifeline

Special thanks to Amanda for sharing her story.

Lifeline would like to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide and recognize those who have survived suicide attempts. And those who struggle today or in the past with thoughts of suicide, mental health issues and crisis situations, we acknowledge all those who have felt the deep impact of suicide, including those who love, care and support people experiencing suicidality and those experiencing the pain and bereavement through suicide. We respect collaboration with people who have a lived or living experience of suicide and mental health issues and value their contribution to the work we do.

In this episode, we delve into the narratives of two extraordinary individuals who've navigated the depths of darkness, only to emerge as beacons of strength and resilience.

Imbi Pyman, a mother of three, carries with her a lived and living experience of the impact of suicide. Her youngest son endured a devastating trauma at the age of 12, casting a shadow of fear over their lives. Four years ago, Imbi turned to Lifeline for support, she now works passionately with her husband to improve services and offer hope to those on similar journey.

Danny Flaus, a proud Worimi man and father of two. Danny and his wife, Jac, faced the unimaginable loss of their 14-year-old son, Brady, to suicide in 2018, after he endured severe bullying at school. Their grief transformed into a resolute ambition to ensure that others know help is available during the darkest times.

These are stories of pain, resilience, and hope – narratives that remind us that suicide does not discriminate.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14

Send a text to Lifeline at 0477 131 114

Chat live with Lifeline at www.lifeline.org.au

Follow @lifelineaustralia on Instagram

Follow @LifelineAust on Twitter

Like @LifelineAustralia on Facebook

CREDITS

Hosted by Ruben

Proudly presented by Lifeline

Special thanks to Tom for sharing her story.

Lifeline would like to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide and recognize those who have survived suicide attempts. And those who struggle today or in the past with thoughts of suicide, mental health issues and crisis situations, we acknowledge all those who have felt the deep impact of suicide, including those who love, care and support people experiencing suicidality and those experiencing the pain and bereavement through suicide. We respect collaboration with people who have a lived or living experience of suicide and mental health issues and value their contribution to the work we do.

On World Suicide Prevention Day, we bring you a two-part series shedding light on a topic often cloaked in silence. In this episode, we delve into the inspiring stories of two individuals who battled despair and emerged as beacons of strength.

Meet Emily, a 27-year-old who faced diverse challenges, from identity exploration to mental health struggles. Then, there's Ian, who overcame a traumatic past to become a military veteran, father, and suicide prevention advocate.

These stories remind us that each journey is marked by unique struggles and triumphs.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14

Send a text to Lifeline at 0477 131 114

Chat live with Lifeline at www.lifeline.org.au

Follow @lifelineaustralia on Instagram

Follow @LifelineAust on Twitter

Like @LifelineAustralia on Facebook

CREDITS

Hosted by Ruben

Proudly presented by Lifeline

Special thanks to Tom for sharing her story.

Lifeline would like to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide and recognize those who have survived suicide attempts. And those who struggle today or in the past with thoughts of suicide, mental health issues and crisis situations, we acknowledge all those who have felt the deep impact of suicide, including those who love, care and support people experiencing suicidality and those experiencing the pain and bereavement through suicide. We respect collaboration with people who have a lived or living experience of suicide and mental health issues and value their contribution to the work we do.

Andrew's life has been marked by immense challenges. As a forced adoptee, he endured a difficult start, followed by psychological and physical abuse at school, leaving him deeply affected by complex trauma.

At 15, Andrew turned to alcohol, and by 20, he reached a point of despair, owing a significant debt and resorting to robbing his own family's house, even attempting suicide. This triggered a path of destructive addiction as he used various substances to escape his pain.

Homelessness and imprisonment became part of Andrew's life due to his addiction, but he never truly hit rock bottom as he always felt he was already there. The weight of his past experiences made life unbearable, devoid of meaning.

However, Andrew's journey took a positive turn when he finally embraced change and committed to healing. With no other option, he confronted his addiction and trauma head-on. Since 1994, he has been involved in the AOD field, dedicating 17 years to Corrective Services NSW. Andrew now shares his story to inspire others in similar situations and devotes his time to helping them.

LINKS & RESOURCES:  

Call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14

Send a text to Lifeline at 0477 131 114

Chat live with Lifeline at www.lifeline.org.au

Follow @lifelineaustralia on Instagram 

Follow @LifelineAust on Twitter

Like @LifelineAustralia on Facebook

CREDITS 

Hosted by Ruben 

Proudly presented by Lifeline 

Special thanks to Tom for sharing her story. 

Lifeline would like to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide and recognize those who have survived suicide attempts. And those who struggle today or in the past with thoughts of suicide, mental health issues and crisis situations, we acknowledge all those who have felt the deep impact of suicide, including those who love, care and support people experiencing suicidality and those experiencing the pain and bereavement through suicide. We respect collaboration with people who have a lived or living experience of suicide and mental health issues and value their contribution to the work we do.

Said grew up with a mum battling schizophrenia and parents who didn’t know how to speak into mental health. He has done a lot of work healing childhood trauma and openly talks about falling into the wounded caregiver role.

Said held on to hope through his own struggles with substance abuse and suicide, now he teaches other empaths how to manage boundaries and turn their sensitivities into superpowers as a Team Leader for Lifeline Digital.  

He shares about speaking up on his mother’s behalf and how he held on through his own struggles with suicidal ideation. 

LINKS & RESOURCES:  

Call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14

Send a text to Lifeline at 0477 131 114

Chat live with Lifeline at www.lifeline.org.au

Follow @lifelineaustralia on Instagram 

Follow @LifelineAust on Twitter

Like @LifelineAustralia on Facebook

CREDITS 

Hosted by Ruben 

Proudly presented by Lifeline 

Special thanks to Tom for sharing her story. 

Lifeline would like to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide and recognize those who have survived suicide attempts. And those who struggle today or in the past with thoughts of suicide, mental health issues and crisis situations, we acknowledge all those who have felt the deep impact of suicide, including those who love, care and support people experiencing suicidality and those experiencing the pain and bereavement through suicide. We respect collaboration with people who have a lived or living experience of suicide and mental health issues and value their contribution to the work we do.

Having found out in the most awful fashion at 6 years old she was adopted, Lea struggled with challenges throughout high school. Faced with crippling depression and societal stigma, she grappled with finding her place in the world. As a mother of two boys, she wore a mask and struggled alone. She is a passionate about an individualised approach to treatment , finding your own coping strategies and the importance of feeling empowered.

Lea talks about her lived experience of mental health issues and to share her personal story and the moment her life changed for the better.

LINKS & RESOURCES:  

Call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14

Send a text to Lifeline at 0477 131 114

Chat live with Lifeline at www.lifeline.org.au

Follow @lifelineaustralia on Instagram 

Follow @LifelineAust on Twitter

Like @LifelineAustralia on Facebook

CREDITS 

Hosted by Ruben 

Proudly presented by Lifeline 

Special thanks to Tom for sharing her story. 

Lifeline would like to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide and recognize those who have survived suicide attempts. And those who struggle today or in the past with thoughts of suicide, mental health issues and crisis situations, we acknowledge all those who have felt the deep impact of suicide, including those who love, care and support people experiencing suicidality and those experiencing the pain and bereavement through suicide. We respect collaboration with people who have a lived or living experience of suicide and mental health issues and value their contribution to the work we do.

Despite having a loving mother and maternal family, Ian’s early years saw him experience serious Domestic and Family abuse.

As a young teenager, Ian says he was convinced his future contained a repetition of his difficult childhood and adolescence. This was a fate he was determined to avoid.

Later in life, Ian faced more challenges and he felt he had no control left except for one thing, his own life.

The young boy who was convinced his life had no positive purpose has since grown to become more than he ever imagined he could be, from 25 years of military service three degrees across two disciplines, three children of his own and much more.

LINKS & RESOURCES:  

Call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14

Send a text to Lifeline at 0477 131 114

Chat live with Lifeline at www.lifeline.org.au

Follow @lifelineaustralia on Instagram 

Follow @LifelineAust on Twitter

Like @LifelineAustralia on Facebook

CREDITS 

Hosted by Ruben 

Proudly presented by Lifeline 

Special thanks to Tom for sharing her story. 

Lifeline would like to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide and recognize those who have survived suicide attempts. And those who struggle today or in the past with thoughts of suicide, mental health issues and crisis situations, we acknowledge all those who have felt the deep impact of suicide, including those who love, care and support people experiencing suicidality and those experiencing the pain and bereavement through suicide. We respect collaboration with people who have a lived or living experience of suicide and mental health issues and value their contribution to the work we do.