POPULARITY
In 2012 Donna Thistlethwaite experienced a mental health crisis which culminated in her jumping off a bridge. Regarded as an enthusiastic and competent HR professional, her mental health quickly altered when a workplace challenge triggered an unravelling of her life. Today Donna is an award-winning entrepreneur and an accomplished speaker/trainer on mental health and resilience. She frequently shares her journey and insights to empower and equip leaders and individuals with strategies to build resilient individuals and teams and mentally healthy workplaces. Donna is an accredited Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Resilience at Work (R@W) Facilitator. She is also a highly regarded keynote speaker to the corporate and conference market. Donna's story was featured on an episode of Australian Story which aired in August 2017. Contact details: donna@mentally.com.au Digital handles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnathistlethwaite/ www.donnathistlethwaite.com.au www.mentallywellthy.com.au
We're often preoccupied with being successful and moving up the social ladder. However, we all face fears, addictions, depression, and life events that can throw us off. In this conversation, Professor Lorelle Burton interviews Donna Thistlethwaite, who, in 2012, fell from Brisbane's Story Bridge in an attempt to end her life. Donna was having career difficulties at the time, which were fuelled by feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness. Fortunately, Donna survived the experience and now shares her story to inspire others to know that everything is figure-outable. Donna reminds us that failure (real or perceived) does not need to define us and the right strategies can be successfully used to create a fulfilling and happy life (no matter your current challenges). Donna shares her inspiring story about thriving after a significant mental health experience to build resilience and normalise discussions about mental health.
In the latest episode of TradeMutt Radio, we chat to mental wellness advocate and suicide survivor, Donna Thistlethwaite. We chat about everything from what Donna's mindset was like during her mental health crisis, what her recovery was like and what life is like now.Please note that this episode contains material that references suicidal thoughts which might be difficult for some listeners. Connect with us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/trademutt/https://www.facebook.com/Trademutt/https://au.linkedin.com/company/trademutthttps://www.instagram.com/trademutt/
In 2012 Donna Thistlethwaite attempted suicide by jumping off Brisbane's Story Bridge. Her life is now in a very different place and she have become a speaker and trainer in mental health. Donna feels passionate about helping people to thrive so that they can live their best life and minimise their chances of experiencing a mental health crisis. Her story has been featured on ABC's Australian Story and can be viewed at: https://www.abc.net.au/austory/the-bridge-opener/8779678. Donna also has six resilience strategies that she shares with audiences and there's a bunch of lessons that came from her experience.
I found my conversation with Donna so moving as we discuss her darkest of days when she wanted to end her life to her recovery and the thriver that she is todayIn 2012 Donna jumped 30 metres from an Australian bridge in an attempt to end her life. At the time she was experiencing career challenges fuelled by feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness. Her actions shocked those who knew her and who regarded her as a competent human resource professional and a friendly, enthusiastic person. Donna journeyed from breakdown to receiving an ‘Entrepreneur of the Year Award' in 2016 and found her purpose in career coaching and speaking. Donna shares her story to help others understand that failure does not need to define us and that there are strategies that can be successfully used to create a fulfilling and happy life. Some key points from our interview:How when she heard that if she had completed suicide that the odds that her son would try it too changed everything for herHow she felt alive when she first shared her storyHow she feels that finding her voice saved her and hopes it helps others tooHow she uses six daily practices that have totally shifted her life"HOPE = help one person every day" - Donna ThistelthwaiteYou can get more information about Donna here:https://donnathistlethwaite.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonnaThistlethwaite.speaker/ * * * *"Unbroken: Healing Through Storytelling" features individuals who have all triumphed after adversity and have not just bounced back in life, but forward and are now making a difference for others.Hosted by Madeleine Black, the show will share stories of all the amazing people Madeleine has met on her own journey as an author/speaker and these stories will heal, motivate, inspire and bring hope when they share their wisdom and knowledge with her.She really believes in the power that comes when we share our stories, that in fact we are not story tellers but story healers. Tune in to discover what helped them to stay unbroken and together we will discover that none of us are broken beyond repair.You can find out more about Madeleine, her story and her memoir, Unbroken, from her website: https://madeleineblack.co.uk/Watch the Podcast via YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/MadeleineBlackUnbrokenFollow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/unbrokenthepodcastwithmb
Donna returns to our podcast to talk to Sally about how she shares her own mental health story via public speaking.Donna also discusses some of her daily gratitude & mediation techniques, resilience strategies & goal setting, how she became a MHFA Instructor and much much moreYou can learn more about Donna's story via: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-07/donna-thistlewaite-suicide-survivor-story-bridge/8753316Or reach out to Donna about public speaking opportunities via: https://donnathistlethwaite.com.au/
In a beautifully honest interview, Donna Thistlethwaite talks to Catherine about managing stress and mental health in the workplace. After working as an HR professional for a corporate organisation for around 15 years, and with a small child, Donna found herself leading a small team for a new controversial project. After a series of challenges, Donna’s mental health suffered to the point where she tried to take her own life. Now, she’s an international mental health and resilience speaker and has presented for QSuper, Connexus Financial, Aurecon, Seqwater, Queensland University of Technology, Powerlink Queensland, and Western Downs Regional Council, among others. She’s also a Career Coach and co-founder of Career Vitality, which provided career services to individuals, parents and organisations. Episode highlights: Who Donna is and a little about her background - started a new role whilst working as an HR professional for a corporate organisation The pivotal moment for Donna was when she had an argument with a colleague A few other events triggered self-doubt Dealing with Imposter Syndrome - losing sight of her strengths and feeling like a failure Questioning her whole identity and her previous strengths How Donna let her mind take over - playing out the worst case scenarios Feeling like the only way out was to take her life and choosing to do that What Donna has learned from ‘surviving’ Recognising the difference between how she used to be and how she is now Accepting that her failures in the workplace didn’t define who she was Reality test what’s going on in your head Donna’s advice to others who aren’t coping - reach out and talk to someone Setting up a business 18 months after her “mental health crisis” Donna’s 6 strategies for improving her mental health Donna’s journey as a Career Coach and a speaker sharing her experience Useful links: Donna Thistlethwaite Website Donna Thistlethwaite on LinkedIn Career Vitality Website Donna on Facebook Donna on Twitter Mind Matters Link: Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donna Thistlethwaite had a great career, a loving partner Greg, a gorgeous toddler Matthew and a bubbly extrovert personality which meant she also had lots of friends. But after taking maternity leave, she returned to a new leadership role and suddenly life began to unravel. Even so, she was the last person in the world anyone expected to attempt suicide
Phil chats with Donna Thistlethwaite, a passionate public speaker, career coach and survivor. In 2012, Donna fell from Brisbane's Story Bridge in an attempt to end her life. Since then, she has done a complete 360, receiving an 'Entrepreneur of the Year Award' in 2016, running her own successful business and empowering hundreds of others with her story. It's an inspirational episode, discussing resilience and mental health in the workplace (and at home) - issues both Phil and Donna feel strongly about. You can find Donna here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnathistlethwaite/ or here: https://donnathistlethwaite.com.au/ Please be aware: this episode touches on sensitive topics including suicide and mental illness. If you feel distressed, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Make sure to like and subscribe for more random conversations! . . . Have a good story or want to get in contact? Email Hannah at: hannah.kinder@ctc.qld.edu.au
Donna sits down with Sally to share her amazing story regarding the lead up events to attempting suicide right through to her recovery process.Donna shares with us her ability to undertake activities to improve her mental and physical health including the reframing of negative thoughts and engaging in regular self acceptance and gratitude practices to ensure she can thrive and be shining light and example to others in her personal and professional career.Disclaimer: For some people the conversation in this podcast may be confronting, and if you aren't feeling at your optimal mental health, you may not want to listen to this episode.If you or someone you know is in crisis please get help immediately. Call lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000 if life is in danger. https://www.lifeline.org.au/
From time to time, we all struggle with that little voice on our shoulder telling us we are not good enough. But for Donna Thistlethwaite, that voice on her shoulder become so loud she could see no other option than to end it all. In 2012, she drove to Brisbane's Story Bridge and fell from the iconic landmark. Miraculously Donna survived the fall and since then she has become a crisis counselor and a motivational speaker assisting others who are going through the same painful journey she did.
Donna Thistlethwaite is a career coach, speaker and entrepreneur. In 2012 she experienced a significant mental health crisis which dramatically altered the trajectory of her life. She has since undergone a transformation to successfully move from the darkness of suicide and fear to shining her light. She believes in following what lights you up and encourages people to be a cheer squad for each other.
Donna Thistlethwaite talks about the reaction of her ‘coming out’ as a suicide survivor and how her life has changed.
Donna Thistlethwaite talks about the reaction of her ‘coming out’ as a suicide survivor and how her life has changed.