My Walk

My Progress

0km

My Target

9km

My Story. My Journey. My 'Why.'

• MY "WHY." THE SHORT VERSION:
22 years ago a single call to the kids helpline saved my life.

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• THE BATTLE TO HEAL (as long as it is...surprisingly its the shortest version of the journey possible and so much left out):

I am someone who started their journey of seeking support and trauma treatment for mental health issues over 20yrs ago when the stigma around mental health was heavy, came with the side eyes, whispering and judgemental comments behind your back. The diagnosis "labels" given were worn with shame rather than a badge of honour, with most claiming that they werent real and just used as an "excuse" to be lazy. I was from the "they just need a good hard smack to pull them in line" era.

Having a heavy diagnosis from the age of 14, I learnt quickly that it was something I should hide from the world and try my hardest to pretend to be normal. It was extremely isolating and shameful, it was a topic of conversation for the people close to me who were divided into two sides: 1) its not real, its an excuse and I need to just move on and harden up, or 2) Im servely sick, an unpredictable deviate and needed to locked in a padded room for everyones safety...this side was relieved that there was "something wrong with me" that explained my (teenage) behaviour. No one else I knew needed treatment for their mental health, I felt alone, terrified and most importantly misunderstood. Despite the support I had from family who did the best they could to understand, no one truely knew what I had gone through so inevitably the hardest battles of my trauma treatment were fought alone.

After years of learning, healing and hard work I finally had a good understanding of who I was, how I was different and how to keep myself regulated and function as "normal"...knowing pain from a young age meant I developed a high level of emotional intelligence and empathy for others. For the first time I finally saw my mental health struggles as a gift rather than a curse, I was wore my labels with pride knowing the strength it took to heal and be free of the dark thoughts. No matter how many gold medals I won or academic awards I received...this was by far my greatest achievement and I began advocating to fight against the stigma around mental health and seeking help.

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• PRESENT DAY DARKNESS:

Unfortunately, the past year has been an uphill battle filled with many obstacles mixed in with a few old demons coming out to run a muck again...and for the first time I was brought back to a mental state that I hadnt been in since the early stages of my journey. Seeing how quickly my mental state crumbled and the thoughts of self harm and suicidal took over is terrifying. Despite 20 years of hard work and focus on my mental health, overcoming childhood trauma, adult trauma, addiction/recovery, learning to recognize my triggers, recognizing when getting close to the edge and finding techniques to ground myself well before the point of no return...somehow I found myself sitting in darkness, not realizing how I got here, especially after fighting so hard to ensure I'd never be sitting here again.

So once again, I have a very long and rough road ahead of me...not just to heal the reopened scars, but battling my own mind to not be so hard on myself for letting it get so bad without realizing, to give the same amount of empathy to myself as I give to others and forgive myself for feeling like I have not only failed myself, but my children.

• MY "WHY":

Despite how terrifying the feeling of not being able to trust myself or my judgement weighing heavily on my shoulders, this time around the journey of healing and rebuilding isnt remotely close to as scary or isolating as the first time. I am at ease and grateful for the many years people, organizations and media worldwide raising awareness, speaking out about their struggles and shining a light on a once frowned upon/controversial subject. The stigma around mental health struggles is slowly breaking, there is more support available and most importantly people suffering no longer have to suffer in silence out of shame or fear of being judged. Unlike the first time I have a support system bigger than I ever imagined and although I've learnt to instinctively hide behind a smile...I have a network of people who see beyond it and check in so I know I'll make it through even on the hardest days.

Thats a very "short" version of my story and my reason for doing this. I know times are really tough at the moment so any donations that are made to assist me in raising awareness are appreciated more than you will ever know. Every single person in this world either has battled with their own mental health or has multiple people in their close circle who are.

In conclusion, for those who made it this far into my mini novel...Im now in my 30's....20 years ago a single call to the kids helpline saved my life. It cost $39 per call for lifeline to answer a call that could save a loved one from giving up. It would be an honour if I was able to pay it forward and raise $1170...enough to answer 30 phonecalls and save 30 lives.

CHANTELLE

I'm walking to remember those lost to suicide and help people in crisis

Tragically, every year over 65,000 Australians attempt to take their own life and over 3,000 Australians die by suicide.

Lifeline receives over 1 million contacts from people in crisis each year.

Suicide has devastating impact on friends and loved ones.

For World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept 10), I will be taking part in Out of the Shadows and walking for the 9 people lost to suicide every day.

I'm walking to raise funds for Lifeline to provide suicide prevention services and support for Australians in need.

Please support my walk and sponsor me to help those in crisis.

Together, we can ensure that no one has to face their darkest moments alone.

My impact so far

I've raised $841 so far to answer 21 calls for Lifeline's crisis support hotline to connect and bring hope to people in crisis.

With your support, we can ensure that no person has to face their darkest moments alone.