A gentle note before you continue
The content below includes references to suicide. I am sharing it with care, to honour those affected and to remind people that support is available when they need it most.
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Meet Sarah, whose life reached a crisis point a few years ago when she called Lifeline. In her story, she reflects on her journey, shares what she learned along the way, and how that conversation with Lifeline became a turning point in her life.
I called Lifeline in a moment of complete hopelessness.
At that time, I hated myself. I felt completely alone, overwhelmed by the feeling that I was both too much and not enough at the same time. I felt like if I wasn’t here anymore, it wouldn’t matter. I believed my parents and siblings would be better off without me, and that my friends might not even notice if I was gone.
One night, exhausted from trying so hard to be okay, I reached a point where I thought about hurting myself, and ending my life. It scared me, and in that moment, I called Lifeline’s helpline.
I felt so completely drained that I couldn’t speak without crying. The pain inside me was so overwhelming that I felt like my body could no longer carry it. I don’t even remember making the call clearly. I think it was one of those instinctive moments when your body acts before your mind has time to process what is happening.
I am so grateful that I did.
It wasn’t an easy journey, but that call was the first step towards my recovery. It became a turning point in my life, a moment that helped me begin to see my own worth and recognise the light I bring into this world.
A few months later, my brother fell into depression. He didn’t have to explain what he was going through. I recognised the signs because I had been there myself. I encouraged him to reach out to Lifeline for support.
Seeing him in that position gave me a new perspective. I realised that so many people can find themselves in crisis, no matter who they are or where they are in life. It helped me understand that, during my own darkest moments, I wasn’t the only on going through dark times.
Like me, he took that first step towards getting help, and today he is doing so much better. I am grateful that we were both able to find help when we needed it most.
I know that one of the only reasons my brother is here is because of your service. And for that I am eternally grateful. He is now doing so well, he's spreading his wings and he's building a life that he deserves.
That is why I feel glad that I am now in a place where I am able to share my experience, because if it can help even one person feel less alone or give them the courage to reach out, then there is meaning in sharing it.
I am learning that there is strength in opening up about our struggles, and that sometimes, even though it’s hard, sharing can help others know they’re not alone.
Today, I am open about the fact that I see a counsellor regularly, and I am grateful to have people around me who also prioritise their own wellbeing. For me, asking for help has become a normal and important part of looking after myself. It is something I am proud of, and something I wish I had felt more comfortable doing sooner.”
*Sarah's name has been changed, and story details anonymised to protect her privacy
