12-year-old Emma's mental health recovery

Hello. My name is Joe and my wife’s name is Amanda. On the evening of Sunday, 26 January, our 12-year-old daughter, Emma*, deliberately overdosed on prescription medication in an attempt to end her life.

Thankfully, the medication she chose did not kill her. When we became aware of her acting strangely in the morning, we called an ambulance and she was taken to hospital.

After a few days of monitoring to ensure the drugs were out of her system, she was transferred to an inpatient facility where she is currently under 24/7 care and considered a high risk of re-attempting suicide as she seems unaware of her actions on Sunday night. Her presentation is complex, and no one is sure how long she will need to be here for.

It goes without saying that we are devastated. Despite an incredibly close and transparent relationship with our baby girl, we had no idea she was struggling so much. She is such an amazingly caring, considerate and compassionate person, it seems so patently unfair that she should be in so much pain as to consider ending her own life.

Unfortunately, this was not a cry for help. She had made plans and written notes for us, her grandparents, 3 young sisters, and her friends over a period of a week leading up to the suicide attempt. She intended to succeed.

Emma* is the kindest, most empathetic child you will ever meet. She looks after everyone before herself. She is funny, artistic, intelligent and loves animals. Even in her farewell notes, there is no anger or animosity - just a genuine desire for everyone to live their best lives and know how much she loves us.

She wanted to be a singer-songwriter and/or an anime illustrator. She has so much to live for, and so much to offer this world.

We know that recovery is going to be a long road.

Right now, we’re a single income family with four kids and my elderly parents living with us also. Each trip to visit our daughter in hospital costs us around $70 in fuel, tolls and parking ($490 per week), plus time away from work and our other kids.

When she comes home, there is a range of therapy and activities we would like to be able to offer her to nourish her gifts and rebuild her mental strength. We’re also cognisant that we’ve all been through a traumatic event and we want to be able to provide our other kids for any support they may need as they process what has happened. 

These will cost money that we currently don’t have.

It is painful and uncomfortable to ask for help, but our daughter’s wellbeing comes before our pride every day of the week. If you are able to assist, every dollar will go towards her recovery.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and may God bless you all.