This week’s episode might be tough for some people to listen to, so we issue a warning that it does contain discussions on death by suicide.
And if you may find it too hard to listen to then please don’t. And if you or someone you know is struggling or need someone to talk to, you can call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or visit lifeline.org.au for 24-hour crisis support.
For everyone else, you may need to take a few deep breaths.
If you’re a local of Batemans Bay, you might have noticed, the old water tanks near the Hanging Rock Sporting Complex, close to the rugby union field, which were grimy and graffitied, are now freshly painted with bright and bold colourful murals, one of which has the words, “You’re Somebody’s Someone” emblazoned on it.
For Batemans Bay residents, Deanne and Pat Griffin, that someone was their son Sean, who took his own life in 2019. He was just 17-years-old. The youngest of three kids who was crazy about sport, especially cricket.
Listen to Deanne’s story on the latest episode of iHeart Far South Coast below.
Deanne was the main driver behind those beautiful murals at Hanging Rock, and as you can imagine, this is not an easy subject for her to talk about but she speaks openly, and frankly about the terrible heartache that her family has been through to raise awareness and try and spread the message that we as a community can do better, and that there is help available for those who seek it out.
“We came home, and our parents brought our girls to us, which was extremely hard seeing them because now, we are a family that are broken, and there’s a piece of us that’s missing, and we can’t ever put that puzzle back together entirely.”
Like many of us, I grew up in the “toughen up” days, sayings that Deanne says we need to move away from as a society to allow people to be honest and seek help.
I am not much a crier, nor do I like admitting to crying (or publishing that) however I did cry during this interview and I recommend keeping some tissues nearby if you’re going to tune in.
This episode isn’t meant to be a light and easy listen but it is telling an important story of loss with an important message that help is out there for those who seek it.
We will be doing a follow up episode next week – that hones in on some of our local services on the Far South Coast such as the recently opened Bega Safe Haven and Standby Support After Suicide.
Images: Deanne Griffin
