Sammy is 31 from Boondall in Brisbane. She has lost two of the most important men in her life to suicide and wants to make them proud, by raising awareness of mental health. By sharing her story and attending the Walk For Awareness on October 7 she hopes she can help other families avoid the pain she has endured.
– What is your reason for participating in this year’s Walk For Awareness?
I lost my brother in 2011 to suicide which took a huge impact on myself. I was thankful to have such an amazing husband to get me through the hard times, but unfortunately in 2017 I came home to find my husband had suicided.
– Is your reason for involvement something that you have been able to speak about with family, friends and/or colleagues?
Yes absolutely
– What positives are you anticipating from participating in this year’s Walk For Awareness?
Positives would be raising awareness, so it can hopefully save at least one family from having to endure the pain I’ve endured from suicide.
– Are you doing the walk with anyone?
I’m doing the walk with my friend Shae who lost her brother to suicide also.
– What impact do you think having more people talking about mental health and stamping out the stigma associated with mental illness will have?
It will decrease the amount of people losing their lives to suicide, unfortunately it’s such a hard thing to stop it been such a taboo subject as so many people have their views on suicide.
– Are you fundraising this year? And if yes, why?
I fundraise anything to do with mental health. Mental health fundraising is very close to me.
– What do you do in your week to try to manage your own mental health?
I go to the gym at least four times a week to keep a healthy state of mind.
More participants in this year’s Walk For Awareness will be sharing their story ahead of Sunday October 7. Follow more stories on our Facebook page here.
