Hayley grew up in a privileged family where her parents worked hard and protected her from many hardships. She was a middle child who became skilled at noticing others and managing emotions.

During high school, Hayley faced difficulties processing big emotions and coped with them through an eating disorder. She did not often share her struggles and felt alone with her experiences.

After high school, Hayley tried multiple university courses and jobs, searching for meaning and a sense of purpose. She struggled with mental health and found comfort in helping others.

In her early twenties, Hayley saw an advertisement for a lived experience committee and joined in 2012. This helped her find language for her experiences and begin talking openly about suicide.

Hayley earned a degree in Suicidality and is finishing her PhD about people using their lived experience for suicide prevention. She has focused on changing conversations in the sector through research and advocacy.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.