A near-retired tradie thanked Leanne Stork for telling her story. It had really made him think about the aftermaths of suicide and the possibility his son could follow in his footsteps, should he take such a path, because they were so alike.
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Leanne knows sharing the “daily nightmare” she lives can make an important difference. It could save a live.
The Ripple Effect of a Chosen Path is what Leanne has titled the life story she has penned. Each chapter reflects a different stage in her life, from childhood to being a grandparent. Each chapter details experience of those close to her in the grips of drug and alcohol addiction or struggling with mental health, ultimately leaving her to deal with the ripple effects of suicide.
Leanne has shared her unfolding story through the years with Ballarat and District Suicide Prevention Network. Taking part in Ballarat Community Health’s Voices for Change program has helped further empower Leanne to take her story further.
“The years make it easier to talk. Time has a way of making it easier. But I can tell my story with a lot of self-care, basically,” Leanne said.
“My hope now is to work hard at bring about change for our community, to fill the gaps in the system with structured support but also education on the signs of addiction and suicide, especially for parents and grandparents...they are the ones with the love and guidance, they pick up the pieces and look after the little children or teenagers while their loved ones are not in a position to do so.”
Leanne said she experienced firsthand how trauma can lead people down a path of self-destruction – and this could be from losing a job to losing a loved one.
Leanne’s father was a loving but abusive alcoholic, she lost her “wonderful younger brother” and “fantastic step-father” to suicide. Her mother has schizophrenia.
Leanne’s son lost his best mate to suicide after his best mate’s father took his own life. Her son spiralled into drug and alcohol addiction, which in turn was tough on her little granddaughters.
Her son hit rock bottom and Leanne said turning his life around was his hardest but greatest achievement with the help of a detox clinician and specialised mental health support. Leanne wants people to know there is help in Ballarat and she wants people to be persistent in finding the right help.
Strong family and friends has consistently supported Leanne on her journey. So too is sharing her story.
Voices for Change has equipped four graduates with lived social and health issues with skills to tell their stories in a bid to improve community understanding and help create change.
“When living this daily nightmare, you don’t feel like talking about it, but I can’t express enough how important it is that you finally do,” Leanne said. "There might be someone who has walked that same path and have a recommendation of a fantastic doctor or clinician.”
If you or someone you know needs crisis support, phone Lifeline 13 11 14.
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