Holding on to Hope

Donna Thistlethwaite had a great career, a loving partner Greg, a gorgeous toddler Matthew and a bubbly extrovert personality which meant she also had lots of friends. But after taking maternity leave, she returned to a new leadership role and suddenly life began to unravel. Even so, she was the last person in the world anyone expected to attempt suicide 

By any standards, Leilani Darwin’s childhood was difficult – she dealt with violence, alcoholism, neglect and worse. Yet with fierce strength, empathy, respect and intelligence she has turned her experience into a force to dramatically reduce youth suicide statistics and help develop ground breaking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention programs. The joy she gets from her work has also given her a reason to feel hope again

Welcome to Lifeline’s Holding onto Hope, a podcast in which people who have attempted suicide share their story

Joe Williams is a proud Wiradjuri man. Here he describes his struggles with self -doubt and how he’s since connected with his culture to reduce the frightening suicide statistics amongst his people.

Welcome to Lifeline’s Holding onto Hope, a podcast in which people who have attempted suicide share their story. For years, Tanya has struggled with anorexia, the mental disorder that takes the lives of more young women than any other.  Today, with her friends first Ali and then Megan, she explains why their empathy, kindness and compassion has been so important to her survival

When Pete Wilson had to give up his passion for endurance running due to a heart issue he was devastated. His depression was compounded by the loss of his parents within eight months of each other, debt and marriage issues. Eventually he decided there was only one way to end his pain.

He was literally saved from stepping over the brink by workmate Jess who had witnessed friends taking their lives in the past and recognized the signs. She put the ‘Find my phone’ tracker on his mobile and when he sent her a worrying text, she realised where he was and what he was about to do and raced to save him. 

Today Jess works for Lifeline, and explains how she helps others in crisis to understand that there are alternative ways to end their pain.

When we visit a fine dining establishment, it’s all calm and quiet courtesy but anyone who has watched Gordon Ramsey in action will know that, in the kitchen it can be anything but calm and quiet.

Mal Meirs has worked in some of the best restaurants in the world but the pressure, the horrendous hours, the chaos and the physical pain of horrific injuries often caused by exhaustion and stress brought him literally to the brink of suicide.

Fortunately, the intervention of his best mate saved his life but Mal has now launched Food for Thought, an initiative that aims to improve the bullying culture of kitchens and bring more balance into the working lives of everyone in the food industry.

We’ve all seen the stories of women who are the victims of domestic violence but we rarely hear the voices of the children who are impacted. 

Growing up, Cameron not only suffered the loneliness of trying to make sense of his parents’ violent relationship but also the after effects of a devious sexual abuse at the hands of a stranger.  His is a story of survival, revived faith in humanity and a passion for music that has helped him find a new hopeful future.

At 25, soldier Ben Farinazzo was sent to East Timor as assistant to the forces commander. It was 1999 and the country had just voted for independence. Being fluent in Indonesian, Ben formed a deep bond with the locals and saw the best and worst of humanity there. He helped deliver a baby – subsequently named after him – but also witnessed the terrible Suai Church Massacre.

Although he returned to Australia in body, his spirit was elsewhere. The experience left him battling PTSD for decades. It wasn’t until he called Lifeline and was advised to see his GP that he was finally diagnosed. 

Ben went on to spend months in a mental health unit recovering. However, after returning home for Christmas with his wife and three children, he was given a mountain bike as a present. On Australia Day he fell off the bike, slamming face first into  boulder, breaking his neck and back in five places.

Ben tells how his family, competing in the Invictus Games, discovering a talent for art, equestrian therapy, rowing at sunrise and simply enjoying being “ordinary” all helped him return to life.

Graeme Holdsworth was a hugely successful project manager, responsible for building some of Australia’s most iconic buildings from Melbourne’s Crown to Sydney’s 1 Martin Place. He was renowned for his building and management skills. 

However, just as some people start gaining weight, he realized his behaviours were starting to change. He yelled at everyone from staff to a client and ended up unemployed and divorced. Eventually, he decided it would be better for everyone if he was no longer around

Today, Graeme speaks of his experience and recovery.  As 80,000 Australians a year attempt or plan suicide and 8 a day tragically take their own lives, he shares the many strategies he has put in place to keep himself alive and happy.

Anyone who’s lived with constant severe pain, knows how bleak life can look as a result. Jaw surgery and a back injury left Dave Peters in agony while a series of psychological traumas sent him spiraling into depression. 

However, Dave found meaning in life after using his experiences to help others who were also struggling through depression. And he found connection through hugs, horror movies and a very sociable dog!