WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the following website may contain images and voices of deceased persons.

Join the Critical Info Community
and be Rewarded!


Sign up to be one of the first users of the Critical Info 10:15 Sorted! platform when it’s released in early 2025 and receive a lifetime 10% discount.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up to download the speakers kit!

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Join the Critical Info Community
and be Rewarded!


Sign up to be one of the first users of the Critical Info 10:15 Sorted! platform when it’s released in early 2025 and receive a lifetime 10% discount.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Podcast Page - Banner Title

From Schizophrenia to Leading A Walk For Life: Transforming a Brother’s Death into Purpose

Listen, watch, follow
Apple Podcasts
Podcast Page - Podcast Preview
10th October 2024

Listen now

 

About this episode

In this deeply moving episode, we explore the heart-wrenching journey of Sarah Eagle, a neurodivergent public speaker and consultant, who lost her brother Ben to schizophrenia. Sarah's story is a powerful testament to how profound loss can lead to transformative change and a lifelong commitment to mental health advocacy.

Sarah takes us through the harrowing experience of Ben's disappearance in the Australian bush and the subsequent search that ended in tragedy. She shares the raw emotions of grief and the pivotal moment when she chose to channel her pain into purpose. This decision led her on a series of extraordinary journeys, including a 600-kilometre walk along the Bibbulmun track and a solo pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago, all in memory of Ben and to raise awareness for mental health.

As Sarah's story unfolds, we discover how her own late diagnosis of autism and ADHD became a turning point, offering her a new perspective on her experiences and shaping her approach to helping others. Her work now focuses on supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families, using innovative approaches like Polyvagal Theory and what she terms 'sensory lifestyle medicine' to create understanding and foster better communication.

Sarah's journey reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is potential for growth, healing, and positive impact. Her story is a beacon of hope for anyone grappling with loss or struggling to support a loved one with mental health challenges.

Show notes

Guest Bio
Podcast Guest - Image
Sarah Eagle

Neurodivergent Public Speaker and Consultant

 

Sarah supports companies to create a culture of belonging, and neurodivergent people to transition from chaos to joy. Soon to provide scuba diving experiences for ND people.

Sarah received a late diagnosis of Neurodivergent in her 40s. Which changed her life and how she manages life. She has a long history of working in mental health and in corporate now she brings the three together. Neurodivergent – Mental Health – Corporate

Sarah holds a BA in Psychology with Honours and has deferred PHD in e-framing mental illness in a new way to combat stigma. Sarah also won the New South Wales Northern Tablelands Woman of the Year in 2014. Raising vital funds for mental health issues.

She provides private consultations for late diagnosed neurodivergent people; corporate programs to imbed a culture of belonging; evidence based programs and courses for neurodivergent people.

Sarah Eagle was ambassador for SANE Australia.  

In 2001, Sarah's brother Ben went missing in the Australian bush, during his final psychotic episode.  His body was never found, although a death certificate was issued. Since then Sarah has been actively and passionately raising awareness of the complex and emotive issues surrounding mental illness.  Sarah's brother Ben, was one of the millions of Australians who have or will suffer from mental illness at some stage in their lives.  

Summary

Key Points from the Episode:

  • The challenges of supporting a loved one with schizophrenia and navigating the mental health system
  • How grief can be transformed into a force for positive change and community building
  • The importance of self-care for carers and family members of those with mental health issues
  • The impact of a late diagnosis of neurodivergence on understanding oneself and past experiences
  • Innovative approaches to mental health support, including Polyvagal Theory and sensory lifestyle medicine
  • The power of walking and pilgrimage as a means of processing grief and raising awareness

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.

Take care,

Catherine

Transcript

1
00:00:01,500 --> 00:00:03,250
For me it was a compulsion.

2
00:00:03,470 --> 00:00:05,480
It was not a choice, this crossroads.

3
00:00:05,810 --> 00:00:11,229
It was, but I was not going to choose
the path of being bitter and twisted.

4
00:00:11,909 --> 00:00:16,660
I wanted to give Ben's death meaning as
a means of making sense of it for me,

5
00:00:16,660 --> 00:00:21,540
that his death, his death, Tremendous
suffering to die on your own, terrified... Read More

Resources

 

 

  • Sane Australia - SANE is for people with recurring, persistent or complex mental health issues and trauma, and for their families, friends and communities.

 

  • My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?

Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.

 

  • Support Services
    If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.

Share

View free guides:

Download our free guides to help you navigate your end-of-life planning! Icon
Podcast Icon

Recent Episodes:

Post Image
Ghosts, Graves, and Gossip: Uncovering Sorrento’s Haunted History
Ever wondered what it’s like to chat with ghosts for a living? Join me as I sit down with Jenny...
Post Image
Cheating Death: The Cryonics Revolution in Australia
Ever wondered what it would be like to wake up 200 years in the future, in a young, healthy body...
Post Image
No Rules, No Rush: The Last Hurrah’s Philosophy on Modern Funerals
Ever wondered what it’s like to plan a funeral in a golf course or use a combi van as a...
Podcast alternate logo

Keep in touch

Stay in the loop with the latest Critical Info updates, events and podcast episodes.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.