In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Glitter Effect, Kate sits down with Jen Waltmon — a passionate mental health advocate and suicide prevention leader whose journey from personal adversity to national impact is both moving and inspiring.

Jen shares her deeply personal story, beginning with a childhood shaped by trauma, addiction, and the early loss of both parents. She opens up about her own struggles with clinical depression and suicidal ideation in her 20s, navigating intense grief and loneliness without siblings or a support system. Her lived experience became the catalyst for profound transformation.

After a successful 23-year career in learning and development, Jen made a life-changing pivot into the mental health and suicide prevention space. Since then, she’s worked with leading organisations including Beyond Blue, Black Dog Institute, and now serves as Lived Experience Lead at Suicide Prevention Australia.

More than just her professional roles, Jen is a powerful storyteller, researcher, and change-maker. She’s an outspoken advocate for mental health reform, accessibility for people with disabilities, and a wide range of human rights including women’s, LGBTQ+, and children’s rights. Her commitment to community runs deep — even extending to being a dedicated blood and plasma donor, which is how she first connected with the host.

Together, they explore themes of grief, healing, purpose, and how we can all “sprinkle a little glitter” where it’s needed most. Jen’s story is a testament to resilience and using pain as a platform for change — perfectly embodying the spirit of The Glitter Effect.

Suicide Prevention Australia: https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/