Rediscovering the strength within; a Cowork Coplay program experience

by Michelle Jarrett

TRIGGER WARNING: Please be aware that this story contains material dealing with suicide and suicidality that could be distressing for some people. If you need urgent or crisis support contact a 24/7 service that can help you, such as Open Arms 1800 011 046; Defence Member and Family Support Helpline 1800 624 608; or Lifeline 13 11 14.

In the Top End, behind my husband’s Defence duties, Cowork Coplay held me through my hidden battle. Darwin is geographically the first place likely to be targeted in a conflict, and it remains highly sensitive to rising geopolitical tensions. My husband arrived in July 2024 and now serves with the Patrol Boat Group at HMAS Coonawarra, working under constant pressure with frequent long overseas deployments as a Korea and East Asia specialist.

After migrating from Korea, I experienced 2 years of emotional decline due to career loss, language barriers, and my daughter moving out of home after 18 years of living with my husband and me. Darwin’s limited social outlets can isolate defence partners quickly, making it a place where wellbeing risk factors accumulate fast.

When my husband deployed for long periods, I often stopped eating and washing for days, unable to get out of bed until he returned. Darwin’s isolation intensified my collapse into severe fatigue and depression, placing pressure on my husband’s ability to focus on his duties.

The 8-week Cowork Coplay program became the turning point that restored my sense of recovery and hope. Once emotionally grounded, I regained the capacity to rebuild my career, and my husband also regained the focus he needed for his operational responsibilities. This program was not just a series of workshops but a designed journey with a curriculum, supportive facilitators and group of people and a positive, encouraging environment. This program is a genuine protective factor that helped me (an isolated defence partner) step away from a point of suicide risk.

The Cowork Coplay modules and activities felt like a complete encyclopaedia of defence community information. After stabilising, I reached out to more than 50 organisations and individuals, receiving warm and practical responses from almost all of them. This support allowed me to begin mapping a realistic career pathway.

Through this process, I realised that the defence community in Darwin already held the networks, information, and support I needed - and that help was there the moment I reached out. This experience became my strongest shield against suicide risk.

In Darwin, as it is across the Defence Force, thriving families are directly tied to force readiness. Cowork Coplay is the program that made that connection real.

The Cowork Coplay program will be delivered in Term 2 2026 (starting mid April) in Darwin and Katherine. To read more about it and apply visit: https://coworkcoplay.com.au/nt-cowork-coplay-programs/ The program is fully subsidised for participants. It is delivered by Human Quotient Group (a veteran family and female-led social enterprise) thanks to support from the Northern Territory Government.