ROdown Blog
Jack's Story on ABC
Nineteen years ago, the founder of Inspire Foundation, Jack Heath, lost his cousin to suicide. Four years later in 1994, he started the Inspire Foundation.
On 30 August 2010, ABC aired Jack's Story on there and when I watched it - it inspired me so much. I did not know Jack had a story to share. I only knew he had lost his close friend to suicide, but I am grateful, that ABC shared his story.
Losing a 'close one' to suicide is tough to battle. It's not something 'Earth' took away from you, but it's something (I personally believe in), that this person 'could not have fought any further'.
Suicide affects people in so many different ways. "Males were almost 4 times more likely than females to die by suicide in. The percentage of all death is accounted for 24% of all male deaths and 20% of female deaths for the 25 to 29 year age group in 2005" (Wesley Mission).
Watching Jack's story inspired me a lot. If anyone else was inspired, touched by Jack's story - please share your thoughts here with me.
If you missed out on watching his story, check out this link on ABC: http://www.abc.net.au/austory/specials/hitroadjack/default.htm
Also, if anyone has lost someone to suicide - let us know what has helped you get through your time and what tips would you give others, through personal experience?
If you are feeling affected by suicide or have lost someone, 'believe in yourself and stay strong'. Feel free to check out: the following factsheets & stories, for tips & advice from other health professionals, including ReachOut.com and young people:
To read the original Inspire Foundation story about Jack Heath - check out this URL: http://www.inspire.org.au/about-us-our-story.html
Peace out possums :)
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2 Comments
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VivC
over 1 year ago
Reply ReportIt was Jacks story that motivated me to look up the website and join. Its inspiring to see someone stand up and go forward with what they believe in regardless of the knocks they get and be so motivated to help others with struggles.Well done Jack and fantastic that you have a partner that is just as inspirational to support you. I have a teenager who developed depression last year, I was so slow to put it together initially, thinking she was just going through another change and becoming more independent. Fortunately she asked for help, I listened and we eventually found a path of help togehter. ( that was the hard part, where to go,who to trust, what would help?) Yes it seems very scary at the time and you wonder how you got there. But we know it's not just one thing it comes from multiple factors that surprisingly have made up who you are and unfortunately one final unexpected blow that open the can of worms that lets them out to consume you. Now, she is much better, she still has to work on her anxieties and other stressors when things get her down but she is getting to know herself better and finding her own strenghts and I am here to help. She is a fantastic person with a lot of passion and drive and she will be successful in whatever she does, because she knows how strong she can be.
Jackson
over 1 year ago
Reply ReportI just watched Jack's story today and it was a very interesting insight into someone's life. Stories like this inspire me to get back in touch with understanding people in my life and the people I interact with. It also prompts me ask my family and friends those tough questions that I have been concerned about or issues that have been worrying me. What an inspirational story. Your wife is incredible. Good luck in USA.