Surviving my suicide attempt as a teenager and what came after with Emma Benoit

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Listener note: This episode discusses suicide. If you are affected by anything discussed in this episode contact:

 Lifeline on  13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  (USA listeners) Samaritans (UK listeners)The Canada Suicide Prevention Service (Canadian listeners)

In this episode of GET REAL we meet Emma Benoit, from Louisiana in the United States. At age 16 Emma was a varsity cheerleader for her high school’s top sports teams with a supportive family and lots of friends. But what no one knew was that Emma was struggling with anxiety and depression. Emma’s life appeared perfect to outsiders and she thought no one would understand why she wasn’t happy or content with her life because from the outside, she appeared to have it all. 

Emma attempted suicide and became paralysed as a result. 

In the United States, Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people aged 10-34. In Australia, Suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15–24.

As you’ll hear Emma share, her life purpose is now to share her experience and mental health journey with other teenagers, their families, schools and communities. In particular, she’s passionately advocating for more support in schools to help students to access education and support for their mental health.

Emma's documentary, directed by Greg Dicharry, is called My Ascension - a feature-length film that was created to inspire and educate audiences, while providing a spark to help individuals and communities save lives and enhance suicide prevention efforts. WATCH  preview 

Follow Emma on Instagram @benoitemmaFollow Emma's Facebook page My AscensionFind out more about Hope Squad, a a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program that's currently running in around 1,200 schools across 35 states in the USA and Canada.

ermha365 provides a range of

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.