This week, a North Shore family lost their beloved teen daughter, Daisy, due to mental health issues escalated by the latest lockdown. Michelle Key, from North Shore Mums Smiles2U, knew the family – as her organisation had helped them during another time of need several years ago. She shares (with the permission of Daisy’s family) her powerful message to families everywhere.
In 2015, we were contacted by a Mum who had been following us for a while, her daughter was very sick with tick-borne disease (who was 13 at the time) and missed a number of years of school and was desperate for something to help her daughter smile again.
A quick trip to our storage unit and we were able to deliver a bag full of goodies, craft, stickers and activities to help her daughter Daisy through an extremely tough period. Daisy was so grateful for her Smiles Bag and you could see she was touched by our kindness.
Daisy recovered after four very challenging years, and went onto University to study Psychology and was receiving High Distinctions and doing incredibly well.
At 19 years old, she was a smart girl with a beautiful smile.
Then Covid-19 hit again and lockdown restrictions started again, and she was back to doing remote learning and struggling with the outside world.
Her family tried everything in their power to help Daisy, hugged her continually and told her countless times a day how much she was loved. Sadly this wasn’t enough to help her through her turmoil.
A few days ago, Daisy left this earth. She leaves a huge gaping hole and so many questions unanswered.
Daisy, 19 years old
Covid-19 is causing havoc on so many of our children and young adults today, we need to be more open about depression, anxiety, suicide and not feeling okay. That it’s okay to ask for help at anytime of the day.
Daisy, was a very special young lady, who was smart, beautiful, caring and had a gorgeous smile.
We’re just so sorry that this world could not do more for you to keep you here on this earth.
To your Mum, Dad and Sister, please know we’re sending our deepest love and sympathy to you all at this very sad time.
If you or someone you know is struggling and needs support, please contact one of the organisations below, they are here to help you.
Letter to Daisy from her family
Our darling, beautiful and incredibly loving Daisy
Your smile lit up every room you walked into. People have been saying that to me since you were a toddler.
Your heart was so precious and you cared so deeply for so many and it was such a tender and empathetic heart. You were constantly helping and caring for others. It was your genuine and true nature to do so.
To say you gave us, your family, so much love and pure delight every day of your life is a huge understatement.
Your inner and outer beauty was so special, is so special, will forever more be special.
You will be the brightest star in the sky just as you were the brightest being on this earth.
Our love for you will be in our hearts every nanosecond of every day.
We know you are at peace now and we will never let you be forgotten… someone as beautiful as you Daisy Bill Elizabeth Long will be treasured by so many forever.
Your loving family,
Mummy, Daddy & Tiggy
GoFundMe: Support Daisy’s Family
Cate Sinclair, a family friend, has organised a collection via GoFundMe for Daisy’s family. She says:
On behalf of all of us, we reached out to Sally and Andy and they have reluctantly approved this call to community. Your support will allow them the space to support Tiggy and themselves through a most devastating time. It would be brilliant if we could raise enough money to cover immediate costs and then to be able to buy the family some time to be able to grieve without any financial pressures.
Thank you for your support as we collectively wrap our arms around the family by donating.
On behalf of all of us, we reached out to Sally and Andy and they have reluctantly approved this call to community. Your support will allow them the space to support Tiggy and themselves through a most devastating time. It would be brilliant if we could raise enough money to cover immediate costs and then to be able to buy the family some time to be able to grieve without any financial pressures.
Thank you for your support as we collectively wrap our arms around the family by donating.
Mental Health Support
Free Helplines: Mental Health, Domestic Violence & Other Health Support Services
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue is a free helpline that aims to equip you with the skills you need to look after you own mental health and wellbeing, and to create confidence in your ability to support those around them.
- Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
- Website: www.beyondblue.org.au
headspace
headspace provides tailored and holistic mental health support to 12 – 25 year olds. With a focus on early intervention, they work with young people to provide support at a crucial time in their lives – to help get them back on track and strengthen their ability to manage their mental health in the future.
- Phone: 13 11 14 (Lifeline)
- Website: www.headspace.org.au
Kids Helpline
For anyone 25 or under – Kids Helpline is a free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
- Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
- Website: www.kidshelpline.com.au
Lifeline
Lifeline is a free helpline for people of all ages, providing 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
- Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7) or text 0477 131 114 (6pm-midnight)
- Website: www.lifeline.org.au
Gidget Foundation Australia
Gidget Foundation Australia provides free psychological support (with a mental health plan and GP referral) to expectant and new parents who are experiencing or at risk of perinatal depression and anxiety. They have Gidget Houses in North Sydney, the Mater, North Shore Private’s Hospital and recently opened Manly.
- Phone: 1300-851-758
- Website: www.gidgetfoundation.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service
A free nationwide helpline that provides 24/7 telephone and online counselling to people who are affected by suicide, experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide. For all ages – 24-hour crisis support telephone service.
- Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
- Website: www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
SANE Australia
SANE Australia supports people living with complex mental health issues and the people that care about them.
- Phone: 1800 187 263 (10am-10pm)
- Website: www.sane.org
Parentline
Amid all the disruptions and worries that are around at the moment, many parents have never felt more alone. Parent Line counsellors are here 7 days a week. Compassionate and non-judgemental support is just a phone call away.
- Phone: 1300 1300 52
- Website: www.parentline.org.au
QLife
QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talking about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
- Phone: 1800 184 527 (3pm-midnight)
- Website: www.qlife.org.au
Mental Health Line
This free helpline will connect you with a mental health professional who can help you with mental health concerns for you or someone you are concerned about, including children, teens, adults and older people.
- Phone: 1800 011 511 (24/7)
- Website: www.health.nsw.gov.a
Carers NSW
Carer Line offer emotional support, referrals and distribute carer specific resources and information to carers and community members.
- Phone: 1800 242 636 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri)
- Website: www.carersnsw.org.au
Child & Youth Mental Health Service – Hornsby
This service consists of a team of mental health clinicians who provide specialist mental health intervention to children and young people with severe and complex mental health problems and their families.
- Phone: 9485 6155
- Website: www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au
Telehealth
You can book a phone or video consultation with GP, Psychologist or other allied health available using Medicare.
Services include GP services and some consultation services provided by other medical specialists, nurse practitioners, mental health treatment, chronic disease management, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments, services to people with eating disorders, pregnancy support counselling, services to patients in aged care facilities, children with autism, and after-hours consultations. Telehealth info
Comments
Mental health should not be taken lightly. It is a serious health issues that most of the teens are experiencing nowadays. Those who have this mental health problem should have a good support especially from their families and friends.