Episode 28: Lived Experience series (Part 6) - Susan Berg, The Girl Who Lived

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In this powerful and moving episode of GET REAL, the first in our Lived Experience series for this year, we are joined by special guest Susan Berg. 

At 15, Susan Berg was the sole survivor of a boating accident that claimed the lives of her Mum, Dad and 16-year old brother, Bill. Suffering from survivor guilt, she delved into a miserable life of self-loathing, anxiety and despair. It took Susan decades to learn the tools to heal her heart and find peace and happiness within herself. 

In 2015 Susan’s autobiography "The Girl Who Lived", was published. Then in 2017, as part of her ongoing recovery journey - and after 14 months of intense training -  she faced her 30-year crippling fear of water and swam the 1.2km Lorne Pier to Pub.  Susan is now an ultra-marathon swimmer, training for a solo crossing of the English Channel!

Susan is passionate about helping others overcome personal obstacles and has developed "Dare the Impossible", weekend getaways, retreats and workshops, providing people with the tools for resilience, and inspiring them to heal their lives and fulfil their dreams.  

Susan chats with Georgia Symmons - ermha365’s Victorian State Manager of Strategy and Service Transformation - about her life; her recovery; the challenges she has faced; and the ones she is looking forward to in the future.

Susan also shares her thoughts on the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, in particular, the importance of infusing lived experience into every aspect of the mental health system, including the delivery of mental health services and responding to people in appropriate and effective ways.

If you have found any of this discussion distressing, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

To learn more about Susan, her work, and her journey, please visit https://www.susanberg.com.au/

For more about ermha365’s mental health programs and services, go to https://www.ermha.org/mental-health-services/

ermha365 provides mental health and disability support for people in Victoria and the Northern Territory. Find out more about our services at our website.

Helplines (Australia):
Lifeline 13 11 14
QLIFE 1800 184 527
13 YARN 13 92 76
Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467

ermha365 acknowledges that our work in the community takes place on the Traditional Lands of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and therefore respectfully recognise their Elders, past and present, and the ongoing Custodianship of the Land and Water by all Members of these Communities.

We recognise people with lived experience who contribute to GET REAL podcast, and those who love, support and care for them. We recognise their strength, courage and unique perspective as a vital contribution so that we can learn, grow and achieve better outcomes together.