Words of hope still resonate

A BOOK of hope penned by a Westbury woman is being printed by the thousands as Tasmanians face isolation, anxiety and uncertainty.

Stop Suicide by Heather Donaldson was written in the 1990s in response to a series of youth suicides in regional northern Tasmania.

Worrying new reports and forecasts have triggered high demand for a return of the resource, which is being sent to schools, libraries, health centres and Neighbourhood Houses.

The not-for-profit publication, pictured, was first launched in 1997 by Nick Sherry and former premier Jim Bacon with the first 1000 copies selling in a month. The compilation of “words to hold on to” was heralded as an “inspired collection of anecdotes to tackle despair” at the time.

Relationships Australia and Rotary Club of Westbury recently funded a rerun of 2000 copies of the new edition with an updated cover. Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania has ordered a further 100 copies for each of its locations.

Primary Health North area services co-ordinator and northern regional social recovery co-ordinator Pat Wrigley said the state was seeing increased need for mental health resources.

She said counsellors visiting hotel quarantine guests were noticing a spike in anxiety and young people were facing a cocktail of aggravating circumstances.

Ms Wrigley said the book was not a suicide prevention tool, but might resonate with some people. “It has been really popular with a lot of community groups and young people,” she said.

“It’s not meant to be the answer. Not everyone will agree with every single thing in it, but … if one thing resonates with one young person and stops them committing suicide on an impulse or makes them feel a bit better, then it is worthwhile.”

The University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre released its report Road to Recovery: Restoring Australia’s Mental Health a fortnight ago.

It said the COVID-19 pandemic was leading to an increase in generalised anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviours — particularly among young people and other vulnerable populations — due to increased isolation and growing economic insecurity.

For 24/7 crisis support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au