Ray of LightRay of Light
All In The Mind
A media project called 'Ray of Light' connects young people who have suffered from different triggers of depression and survived suicide attempts, and moved on through treatment and recovery.
28:50•26 Jul 2015
Ray of Light: Young Voices Confront Youth Suicide and Find Hope
Episode Overview
- Real stories from young people show that treatment, support networks and appropriate medication can move life from crisis to stability.
- Online platforms and video content are seen as crucial tools for reaching young people and connecting them to mental health resources.
- Self-harm is described as a coping mechanism for overwhelming emotional pain, highlighting the need for early, professional support.
- Family love, respect and feeling needed are identified as key factors that can give young people a strong chance of recovery.
- Schools are highlighted as under-resourced in mental health, with calls for more funding, psychologists and frontline support for students.
“I hope that by sharing our personal stories, all of the participants at Ray of Light will be able to touch a lot of people going through similar situations and make them feel like there is hope because we've all gone full circle and we've all come out the other end.”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety and mental health? This episode of *All In The Mind* turns the spotlight on *Ray of Light*, a media project sharing real stories from young people who’ve faced depression, self-harm and suicide attempts, and are now living in recovery. Filmmaker Jay Richards explains why he’s creating a TV documentary and web series aimed at preventing youth suicide in Australia.
Shocked by statistics showing suicide as the leading cause of death for 14–19-year-olds, Jay focuses on reaching "digital natives" through online video and a central hub of support services. As he puts it, "The aim of the documentary is to save lives." You’ll hear from participants Samantha Watkins and Paul Van Leishout, who talk candidly about bullying, identity struggles, abuse, self-harm and intense suicidal thoughts.
Samantha describes cutting and burning as a coping mechanism and shares how treatment, medication and support networks helped her become "a completely different person" now studying social work and caring for her father. Paul recalls severe depression, self-harm and six weeks of not being able to speak, and the shift from "no hope whatsoever" to studying at university and volunteering.
Psychologist Eliza Hatton outlines practical ways professionals can help: mindfulness-based work on unhelpful thoughts, family involvement, crisis support and the need for far better resourcing in schools. Jane Burns from the Young and Well CRC adds research on online peer communities, highlighting both their potential and the need for clear safety guidelines. Throughout, there’s a strong message for families and communities: ask young people how they’re really doing, don’t accept a quick "I’m fine", and keep showing up.
As Paul says, "Sometimes it takes multiple attempts to be able to find out what's going on in someone's head." If you know a young person who’s struggling, what conversation could you start today?
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