BLC Jewellery - Suicide Awareness Fundraiser

Hope in the Hardest Moments: Lara’s Story and Why We’re Fundraising for Lifeline

When Lara, our daughter was just 14, in her first year of high school, she began losing her hair to alopecia. What started as a physical change quickly took a toll on her mental health. Depression followed, and heartbreakingly, it led to self-harming.

In her own words, Lara reflects:

"It wasn’t until my first year out of high school that my mental health really took a turn. I was 17, and I didn’t have a lot of what my friends had when it came to uni, TAFE or work. So I had a lot of time with myself, and eventually that bottle I spoke about started to slowly explode. I had started self-harming with no one around me knowing. I began to withdraw from life — I became much more anxious and depressed. This included withdrawing from the activities I loved most, sleeping a lot more, and not being able to work or socialise."

Like many who struggle in silence, Lara felt she had to carry it all on her own.

"It wasn’t until my parents found out I was self-harming, which absolutely broke my heart. I didn’t want them to be disappointed or angry at the fact their happy and bubbly little girl was slowly disappearing and destroying her body."

The pain grew heavier.

"There was a period of three weeks where each week I had attempted at my life. The third nearly did take my life. I spent a week in a coma in ICU and another week or so in a high dependency ward."

As her parents, watching Lara go through this was incredibly distressing. We felt helpless at times — there are no words for the fear of nearly losing your child. All we could do was surround her with love, seek professional support, and lean on vital services like Lifeline that provide guidance and hope in the darkest moments.

Today, Lara is 29. On the whole, she is in recovery — but only through her own perseverance and the ongoing support of mental health professionals. Her journey is a testament to resilience, and a reminder that while recovery is possible, it often takes time, courage, and help from others.

One of the hardest lessons we’ve learned through this journey is that mental health struggles can often be invisible. Outwardly, someone might appear “fine,” while inwardly they may be battling thoughts and pain we cannot see. That’s why it’s so important to know the signs — withdrawing from activities, changes in mood, increased isolation, or noticeable shifts in sleep and energy — and to ask the hard questions if you’re worried about someone you love.

And just as importantly, if you are the one struggling, please know that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Lara’s story reminds us that even in the most difficult of times, support is out there, and it can truly save a life.

This fundraiser for Lifeline is about honouring Lara’s courage in sharing her journey, but also about ensuring that anyone facing their own crisis has somewhere to turn. Lifeline’s trained counsellors are there to listen without judgement, to help people through their darkest moments, and to remind them that they are not alone.

If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14. Your call could be the start of healing.