Holding on to Hope Lifeline

In this episode we are joined by Martina.

As a cisgender lesbian, Australian Army veteran, and dedicated PhD Candidate, she thrives amid adversity, facing challenges of various kinds with unwavering determination. Her focus on human connection and social healing, born from personal struggles, resonates with those navigating life's difficulties or feeling different in an indifferent world. 

Her journey involves overcoming trauma, workplace bullying, and surviving a near-fatal suicide attempt in 2013, which fuelled her commitment to building a life filled with strength and insight.

Despite occasional imposter syndrome, this self-proclaimed homebody cherishes quiet family moments and purposeful work-related travels, demonstrating humility and resilience.



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 Will for sharing his story.



Lifeline would like to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide and recognise 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 are joined by Will, a 29-year-old electrician. Growing up in Eltham, a town northeast of Melbourne, Will had a fairly standard childhood. However, beneath the surface of normalcy lay a profound struggle that began at a young age.

At just five years old, Will's life was touched by tragedy when his cousin took his own life. This event, coupled with a lack of positive emotional role models in his life, led Will down a path where thoughts of suicide became familiar, almost normalised, responses to emotional distress.

In this conversation, Will shares about reaching out to Lifeline during moments of despair, the challenges of navigating relationships, and the stigma surrounding men's mental health.

Join us as we delve into Will's journey of resilience, self-discovery, and the ongoing pursuit of mental well-being in a world where seeking help is a sign of strength.



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 Will for sharing his story.



Lifeline would like to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide and recognise 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.

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 Davina for sharing her story.



Lifeline would like to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide and recognise 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 Maddie for sharing her story.



Lifeline would like to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide and recognise 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, Uncle 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 Uncle Monwell for sharing his story.



Lifeline would like to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide and recognise 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 recognise 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.