Warning: This episode discusses suicide.

Anita grew up hiding her feelings. Outwardly she was confident and happy but inside she was anxious and would often cry alone. Daniel was plagued by thoughts that others were judging him about his stutter. At 16, he had to be taken out of school because of panic attacks and suicidal thoughts. 

In this episode we explore suicidal ideation. It is not in itself a mental illness, but people who experience persistent suicidal thoughts are at a higher risk of ending their own lives.

Today, Daniel has learnt to manage his suicidal thoughts and Anita has survived two suicide attempts. Both have made it their mission to relay messages of help, hope and self-love. As Anita says: “There’s nobody in the world like you.”

If you are suffering, support is available. Call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or visit beyondblue.org.au. Crisis support is available 24/7 at Lifeline.org.au, call 13 11 14 or text 0477 131 114. 

You can also contact Headspace for support at headspace.org.au or on 1800 650 890, as well as Kids Helpline at kidshelpline.com.au or on 1800 55 1800.

Get in touch! If you have a question about mental health you'd like answered, leave us a voicemail on +61 2 9906 9915 or email us at enoughpodcast@theage.com.au or enoughpodcast@smh.com.a

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Reporters: Sophie Aubrey and Jewel Topsfield

Producer: Margaret Gordon

Sound mix: Kyle Hopkins

Production assistance: Julia Carr-Catzel, Tammy Mills

Head of premium content: Chris Paine

Head of audio: Tom McKendrick

Executive producer of audio: Nathanael Cooper