Every 30 seconds, someone reaches out to Lifeline feeling anxious, alone, overwhelmed, or on the brink of suicide.
Donate today and make sure people in crisis can speak to someone who knows how to listen – and who has the skills and training to keep them alive and holding on to hope.
Peta had her first suicidal thought at just 11 years of age. She remembers thinking: "Why would I have something in my head telling me to hurt myself?”
By age 22, the thoughts had become overwhelming – especially at night. “Each night I’d ask the universe, ‘Help me. I'm in such pain here. I don't know what to do’.”
Peta reached out to her friends but none of them were able to help. “Looking back, I know my friends just weren't equipped,” says Peta, “everyone was just so awkward about it and didn't know what to do.”
It takes an extraordinary person to use their own pain to help others – but Peta has done it. She's now a trainer, consultant, advocate and speaker throughout the mental health and suicide prevention space.
Lifeline is a critical part of Peta's toolkit, and she encourages people to call Lifeline at any time.
“Sometimes it’s just that one other voice that you need to hear at that time. In my own journey, I needed that. Sometimes you need to hear from someone that you deserve help, and this is where you can get it. It’s that moment of connection with another human that made me want to live.”
Financial pressure, family conflict, disasters, isolation, and grief can all heighten distress and thoughts of suicide.
You can help Lifeline Crisis Supporters answer every call, text or message for help that can keep someone safe, and holding onto hope for as they begin their journey to better mental health this year.
Volunteer Lifeline Crisis Supporters generously give their own time to answer calls to Lifeline 13 11 14, and save lives.
Sponsoring a Crisis Supporter for a year means you are providing them with everything they need to do their vital job: including training, infrastructure, technology and support.
Your sponsorship of $7,500 will make a tangible, lifesaving difference to so many Australians.