Dakota Bennett-Ward

Glimpse of my story

I’m no stranger to the darkness that is mental illness. After nearly losing my life to suicide multiple times and devastatingly losing too many friends to mental illness, in 2023 I underwent 25+ treatments of electroconvulsive therapy in a last ditch effort to keep myself alive. Unfortunately the outcome of these treatments was not what I had hoped but only a few weeks later I was diagnosed and medicated for ADHD which had a profound impact on my life. If I had of lost my battle in previous years I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to experience life getting closer to my goals. 

I'm walking to remember those lost to suicide and help people in crisis

Tragically, every year over 65,000 Australians attempt to take their own life and over 3,000 Australians die by suicide. 

Lifeline receives over 1 million contacts from people in crisis each year.

Suicide has devastating impact on friends and loved ones.

For World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept 10), I will be taking part in Out of the Shadows and walking for the 9 people lost to suicide every day.

I'm walking to raise funds for Lifeline to provide suicide prevention services and support for Australians in need.

Please support my walk and sponsor me to help those in crisis.

Together, we can ensure that no one has to face their darkest moments alone.