September 10th marks World Suicide Prevention Day, which has been aiming to promote discussion and raise community awareness to tackle the issue of suicide since 2003.
This year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is especially significant because the World Health Organisation has released the World Suicide Report, the first global report of its kind. Alongside the release of the report, the World Health Organisation issued an international call to action to reduce suicide rates by 10% by the end of the decade.
In an interview with RTRfm, Suicide Prevention Australia CEO Sue Murray spoke about the ramifications of the report.
“This is a very important report. It’s the first time that we have had all this information pooled together in a single report, while for many people working in the sector, the information’s not really new, it is having it all in one place in a very accessible and easy to read format that we think is particularly important. ” she said.
Murray said the report revealed a requirement for Australia to tackle the issue of suicide prevention with a unified front.
“One of the key issues that the National Coalition for Suicide Prevention has identified out of the World Health Organisation Report is the need for a national strategy. We don’t have a national strategy in Australia.
“We certainly have at the federal government level what’s called the LIFE Framework, Living Is For Everyone Framework, but that framework hasn’t been translated into clear goals and targets and directed strategies which will help it reach those relevant goals and targets. At a state level we have strategies that have been designed by state governments but they’re done in isolation from a national strategy because it doesn’t exist. This is something that the World Health Organisation Report is calling for.
“…in Australia we’re just not doing good enough. We really need to work with governments, work with community organisations and include businesses because they have a role to play in suicide prevention as well in coming together and looking at what would be a common goal for us to acheive and the National Coalition has put its hand up and said we believe we should be halving suicides in Australia in ten years. That’s because we are considered by the World Health Organisation a high income country, we have the ability and the resources to be able to deliver a much more effective and planned and coordinated suicide prevention strategy.”
According to Suicide Prevention Australia, suicide is the leading cause of death for Australian men under 44 and Australian women under 34. The National LGBTI Health Alliance states that the LGBTI community faces higher levels of negative mental health outcomes than the general population as a consequence of marginalization and stigmatization.
The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is ‘Suicide Prevention: One World Connected’. Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre CEO Associate Professor Jane Burns echoed the sentiment that Australia needs to broaden its suicide prevention efforts beyond the state level in a statement on the organisation’s website.
“I cannot reinforce enough that we must unite to impact on this area. If we are to combat suicide, connections at an individual level, across support services, and beyond national borders are imperative. The matter does not bear sole weight on the health sector; it is time to adopt an all-encompassing approach, and together we can make strides in suicide prevention.”
WA’s Minister for Mental Health, Disability Services and Child Protection Helen Morton released information about our state’s funding towards suicide prevention in a statement released in conjunction with a forum for public workers to enhance their skills to address suicide and critical incidents.
“Under the State Suicide Prevention Strategy, the State Government has invested $21million into suicide prevention initiatives since 2009. In addition, the Mental Health Commission provided $1.7million last year to crisis helplines, counselling and suicide prevention services.
“The State Government’s next multi-year suicide prevention strategy is currently under development by the Mental Health Commission.”
Australia currently has no national suicide prevention strategy, and presently, neither does Western Australia. In parliament on August 21st, Stephen Dawson, the Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Disability Services and Child Protection addressed Western Australia’s need for a state strategy during a debate on the Mental Health Bill 2013, which has yet to be passed.
“I need to point out this afternoon that again it pains me to say that we have no suicide prevention strategy in this state at present. The last suicide prevention strategy, from 2009 to 2013, expired last year and we are still waiting on the government to release a strategy for the next four years.” he said.
“The recent Auditor General’s report into the suicide prevention strategy pointed to the increase in suicides in this state. In that report, it was revealed that this state’s suicide rate is higher than the national rate and is climbing, while the national rate is going down.”
UPDATE: Helen Morton, Minister for Mental Health, Disability Services and Child Protection today announced two state-run suicide prevention initiatives. More information available here.
Today Lifeline released a statement urging people to take part in World Suicide Prevention Day by connecting with their loved ones and communities. They recommend following three steps when discussing suicide with someone who may be experiencing issues:
“Ask:If you think someone might be suicidal, ask them directly “Are you thinking about suicide?” Don’t be afraid to do this, it shows you care and will actually decrease their risk because it shows someone is willing to talk about it.
“Listen: If they say ‘yes’, they are suicidal, listen to them and allow them to express how they are feeling. Don’t leave them alone. Stay with them or get someone else reliable to stay with them.
“Seek help: Help them seek out the appropriate help. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or call 000 if life is in danger.”
I cannot reinforce enough that we must unite to impact on this area. If we are to combat suicide, connections at an individual level, across support services, and beyond national borders are imperative. The matter does not bear sole weight on the health sector; it is time to adopt an all-encompassing approach, and together we can make strides in suicide prevention. – See more at: http://www.youngandwellcrc.org.au/world-suicide-prevention-day/#sthash.F5LRPRzQ.dpuf
I cannot reinforce enough that we must unite to impact on this area. If we are to combat suicide, connections at an individual level, across support services, and beyond national borders are imperative. The matter does not bear sole weight on the health sector; it is time to adopt an all-encompassing approach, and together we can make strides in suicide prevention. – See more at: http://www.youngandwellcrc.org.au/world-suicide-prevention-day/#sthash.F5LRPRzQ.dpuf
To get involved in World Suicide Prevention Day, you can find events and information on the World Suicide Prevention Day website.
You can also watch the promotional video for World Suicide Prevention Day below.
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551800 or visit beyondblue.org.au
Sophie Joske
