A Tauranga teen who has struggled with suicidal thoughts has transformed her plight into a beacon of hope for others.
About 400 people dressed in yellow and braved stormy weather to pledge their support for suicide prevention in Tauranga's first Hope Walk on Saturday, organised by 16-year-old Chanelle Thom.
Chanelle spoke openly to the vibrant crowd about her personal struggle with suicidal thoughts.
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The teen had reached a point in life where she felt stuck in a downward spiral with no hope or light, but eventually found help.
"That's what made me realise there was light, there was hope. That's why I wanted to be a voice for people," she told the Bay of Plenty Times.
Chanelle wanted to create greater awareness for people to speak up if they were struggling and offer greater understanding for those listening.
"That's the main message - even though things do get hard, there is a way," she said.
"Don't be afraid to talk. Speak up when things do get hard and it's okay not to be okay. But don't get lost in your own mind - when you're stuck in the headspace that you think you're alone, even though people are there. I know from experience that if I can come out of it and pull through, anybody else can. They need that support. They need someone to talk to."
Chanelle wanted to pay special thanks to the people who helped make it happen, especially to her poppa, who walked the 3.8km from Memorial Park to Sulphur Point, despite ill health.
"I'm very, very proud," she said.
Chanelle is part of a young leaders group run by Employ NZ Youth Services.
Youth coach Jana Chase said Chanelle had approached her wanting to do something about suicide prevention. Ms Chase found Hope Walks in Australia and Auckland and suggested they hold a local version.
"It's that whole break the silence stuff. Yes, there are services and things like that but those services can't be everywhere at once, but family and friends are. They are it for these people."
Ms Chase said the walk was particularly poignant because it had been mostly organised and driven by Chanelle and other young people.
"The majority of suicides in the area are young people, so to hear this from a young person is totally different than hearing it from adults or services. I think she would have reached a lot of people," Ms Chase said.
Chanelle's mum Sharlene Farrell was incredibly proud of her daughter.
"For her to open up in front of so many people, that's progress. She's been approached to be a spokesperson on the issue. It's just brilliant."
Where to get help
- If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111. Or if you need to talk to someone else:
- LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
- SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
- YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633
- KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
- WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
- DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
- SAMARITANS: 0800 726 666
- OUTLINE: 0800 688 5463 (confidential service for the LGBTQI+ community, their friends and families)