Terra’s walk for an ‘angel’

Terra Lalirra could have died five years ago.

In 2010, she attempted to take her life several times but she believes an angel gave her a second chance.

That angel was Lifeline, a 24-hour crisis support chatline, which she is now promoting in a seven-year walk across Australia.

“I felt confusion, frustration and guilt, ” Ms Lalirra said.

“I felt like a failure and it all started spinning round like a horrible storm in my head which dragged me down further.

“When I was at my worst, I didn’t actually know what was wrong.

“I knew there was something wrong but I had no education or understanding of it so I didn’t know it was a mental illness.”

Ms Lalirra said she had lost all hope when, after another attempt to take her life, she approached a psychologist who put her in contact with Lifeline.

“It took a few attempts to find the right psychologist, who I was comfortable sharing with, but I found her and she gave me the Lifeline number, ” she said.

“My psychologist told me the recovery was not always up and up and gave me resources for when I would feel a bit low.

“I wish I had known their number earlier.

“I would have used it.”

Ms Lalirra is now on her way to recovery and, as part of her healing process, is trekking more than 32,000km to raise awareness and funds for the organisation.

She will have traveled nearly 5500km when she arrives in Geraldton next week.

This is her second shot at the walk.

An operation in 2012 put a stop to her first attempt two years in.

Since re-starting her journey she has raised about $8000.

“Even though suicide is not logical because everyone in that situation can be helped, when you are in it that dark place it can feel like there is no other option, ” Ms Lalirra said.

“I would like to help other people avoid going down the same path I took.

“Walking for me is the most effective therapy and it feels like my calling being able to live out my dream of walking across Australia while promoting mental health awareness, wellbeing and suicide prevention.”

People are encouraged to give Ms Lalirra a wave if they pass her on the Brand Highway next week.

To donate to Lifeline visit her fundraising page www.thehappywalk.com.

If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.