Seven stories of hope - Marcus's story

Published on 14 November 2019

Please be aware the story below may contain reference to suicide. Should you feel this might cause any discomfort, please do not read further.

As a part of Mental Health Week, the Launceston Suicide Prevention Trial presents the personal stories of seven people and their experience, in a series titled Seven Stories of Hope.

Mental health issues and suicide are a concern across all Australian communities, but are often subjects which aren't openly discussed. Seven brave people from the Northern Tasmanian community are sharing their unique stories to break the silence and offer what they value the most: hope.

 By sharing their stories, they hope to help someone who is going through a tough time, or help someone who may have lost a loved one. They hope that others can feel empowered to talk about life's difficulties without fear. They hope that people realize all is not lost and support is available -- sometimes in the most unexpected places.

By sharing their story, we hope that you can take something away that will bring a new and unique perspective on an issue that requires all of us to play a role.

This story is by Marcus.

My Dad took his own life when I was 12.

He was my hero and I looked up to him, he was always a great dad.

But he decided to leave me. I was alone with my thoughts.

In my teenage years I made bad life choices. I didn’t care anyway.

Being alone with my thoughts was torture.

Then my sister had a baby and I became an Uncle. I started to believe I could be happy again. I had a reason to live.

I was a dedicated Uncle to a niece and a nephew. I looked after them as much as I could, and they loved me.

I met my future wife who had a child. He started to call me Dad.

We had two kids together, both boys which meant I had three sons.

We are a family now, I love being a Dad. I’m 40 with three sons aged 8, 10 and 13. And I’m something that I always wished for……

I’m happy. 

* * * *

For support please contact,

Lifeline 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call-Back Service 1300 659 467 suicidecallbackservice.org.au

For emergency or immediate risk, please call emergency services on 000.