On this episode of Holding on to Hope, Rochelle, founder of the fashion label Rocky Rafaela, a brand born from resilience, creativity, and an extraordinary journey of survival. 

From a young age, Rochelle experienced significant trauma and struggled with feeling misunderstood and alone. As a teenager, she faced severe mental health challenges, including addiction, eating disorders, self-harm, and multiple suicide attempts, spending long periods in hospital care. 

A turning point came when she reconnected with creativity. Through design, she found a way to express her pain, rebuild her identity, and imagine a different future. 

Today, Rochelle uses her work to transform life’s experiences and emotions into purpose, helping others feel seen, empowered, and confident.

On this episode of Holding on to Hope, Rochelle, founder of the fashion label Rocky Rafaela, a brand born from resilience, creativity, and an extraordinary journey of survival. From a young age, Rochelle experienced significant trauma and struggled with feeling misunderstood and alone. As a teenager, she faced severe mental health challenges, including addiction, eating disorders, self-harm, and multiple suicide attempts, spending long periods in hospital care. A turning point came when she reconnected with creativity. Through design, she found a way to express her pain, rebuild her identity, and imagine a different future. Today, Rochelle uses her work to transform life&rsquo;s experiences and emotions into purpose, helping others feel seen, empowered, and confident.

Holding on to Hope shares powerful stories from people who have experienced their toughest moments and found a way forward.

Hosted by Lifeline Crisis Supporter Carla, each episode explores the challenges that can lead to emotional distress, the moments that helped someone hold on, and the people, tools and experiences that supported their recovery.

Honest, hopeful and deeply human, these conversations remind us that even in the hardest moments, hope is possible.

Holding on to Hope

The Same Fire Built My Success

On this epsideo of Holding on to Hope, Yasmin, a psychology student, former Lifeline Crisis Supporter and someone who knows firsthand what it means to reach out for help in the middle of the night. 

From Year 8, Yasmin was quietly dealing with anxiety and depression while trying to keep it together on the outside. For a long time, she felt alone and unsure if what she was going through was even real. 

Lifeline became a place she could turn to when everything felt too heavy, especially in those late-night moments when no one else was there. 

Today, Yasmin is studying psychology, has found genuine hope for the first time in her life and wants to share her story so that others know they don't have to face their darkest moments alone.

Contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800

Kids Helpline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone and online chat counselling service for kids, teens and young people. 

www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/national-services/kids-helpline 

On this epsideo of Holding on to Hope, Yasmin, a psychology student, former Lifeline Crisis Supporter and someone who knows firsthand what it means to reach out for help in the middle of the night. From Year 8, Yasmin was quietly dealing with anxiety and depression while trying to keep it together on the outside. For a long time, she felt alone and unsure if what she was going through was even real. Lifeline became a place she could turn to when everything felt too heavy, especially in those late-night moments when no one else was there. Today, Yasmin is studying psychology, has found genuine hope for the first time in her life and wants to share her story so that others know they don't have to face their darkest moments alone.
Contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
Kids Helpline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone and online chat counselling service for kids, teens and young people.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/national-services/kids-helpline">www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/national-services/kids-helpline</a>&nbsp;

You Don’t Have to Face It Alone

Stephen is a husband, father of three, teacher, motorcycle rider, and recently became a published author with his book Under the Helmet. 

From a young age, Stephen experienced bullying and carried pain that followed him well into adulthood. There were periods where life became incredibly dark, but there were also moments, sometimes small and unexpected ones, that changed the direction of his story. 

Stephen is sharing his experiences around mental health, masculinity, connection, and hope, and what he’s learnt about the importance of speaking up and letting people in.

Stephen is a husband, father of three, teacher, motorcycle rider, and recently became a published author with his book Under the Helmet. From a young age, Stephen experienced bullying and carried pain that followed him well into adulthood. There were periods where life became incredibly dark, but there were also moments, sometimes small and unexpected ones, that changed the direction of his story. Stephen is sharing his experiences around mental health, masculinity, connection, and hope, and what he&rsquo;s learnt about the importance of speaking up and letting people in.

You Don’t Have to Ride Alone

On this episode of Holding on to Hope we are joined by Tim. Tim is a speaker, mentor, philanthropist, and internationally recognised leader in positive psychology and mental health. From the outside, Tim built a successful career and meaningful life, but privately he was struggling with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts for many years. 

Tim first noticed changes in his mental health as a teenager, with his distress intensifying after leaving school and continuing through early adulthood, including suicide attempts and periods of profound grief and loss. Despite this, he went on to build a family, a career, and a life of purpose. 

Today, Tim shares his story to remind others that they’re not alone, that recovery is possible, and that reaching out for support can make all the difference.

On this episode of Holding on to Hope we are joined by Tim. Tim is a speaker, mentor, philanthropist, and internationally recognised leader in positive psychology and mental health. From the outside, Tim built a successful career and meaningful life, but privately he was struggling with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts for many years. Tim first noticed changes in his mental health as a teenager, with his distress intensifying after leaving school and continuing through early adulthood, including suicide attempts and periods of profound grief and loss. Despite this, he went on to build a family, a career, and a life of purpose. Today, Tim shares his story to remind others that they&rsquo;re not alone, that recovery is possible, and that reaching out for support can make all the difference.

The Same Fire Built My Success

Holding on to Hope

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