We can all help prevent suicide

THE most recent figures for death by suicide in Australia show they are the highest rates we have seen in over 10 years — in 2015 there were 3027 deaths (ABS, 2016).

This equates to eight people dying too early each day and, for young people, suicide is the leading cause of death.

The number of deaths by suicide is high and there are things we can do as individuals, families and organisations to save a life.

National Suicide Prevention Day today will see people taking action and spreading awareness.

TEAMhealth works across the Top End to provide evidence based mental health services, focused on support, recovery and rehabilitation to reduce the number of suicides in the community.

They provide early intervention and education programs to individuals and families to promote resilience and wellbeing, which help to prevent suicide.

TEAMhealth youth mental health educator Sacha King said: “It can be hard to speak to someone about suicide as it is a difficult subject to talk about with a loved one, however, it has been proven that asking someone directly and nonjudgmentally, ‘are you thinking of suicide?’ - is a lifesaving question.

“Suicide does not discriminate and it may be hard to see if someone is unwell.

“It is recommended that we look for changes in thoughts, behaviours and emotions.

“When we notice small things are out of character for that individual we need to check in with them and make sure they are not alone.”

People who seek help for their thoughts of suicide are much less likely to act on them and can find ways to manage them.

“If you, or someone you know, is struggling with thoughts of suicide having a strong support network and connecting with professional help are important for long term wellness,” Ms King said.

With about 30 attempts to each one death by suicide (Lifeline, 2017) we know from lived experience people do not want to die, and we all can be a part of keeping them alive.

TEAMhealth staff are trained in and provide education courses such as safeTALK, ASSIST and other suicide and mental health awareness and intervention trainings.

TEAMhealth are happy to direct you to the trainings by calling TEAMhealth on 8943 9600 or visit www.teamhealth.asn.au.

Picture: SUPPLIED TEAMhealth is front and centre in the fight to prevent suicide deaths in Australia

Staff will be present today (September 10), for World Suicide Prevention Day walks: Walk 4 Suicide Prevention Darwin starting at Alawa Ovals. Come Walk with me, Suicide Prevention walk Palmerston starting at Memorial Park at 5pm.