SC workers embrace ‘wellbeing’
Workmates have an important role to play in supporting one another to stop self-harm, a suicide prevention expert and researcher says. Samesh Mohanlall reports.
The higher prevalence of suicide among adult males, and the perceived lack of assistance available to them, has led some South Canterbury maledominated workplaces to initiate suicide prevention and wellbeing programmes in the workplace.
South Canterbury District Health Board suicide prevention co-ordinator Professor Annette Beautrais says a logical place for suicide prevention is to take programmes to where people are.
She said because people work with their colleagues for at least 8-10 hours a day, they’re often in a very good position and ‘‘maybe better than family to actually recognise people who might be at risk and refer them for appropriate help’’.
‘‘Seventy-five per cent of all suicides are men and 60 per cent are men of working age from 18 right through to their early 70s.’’
She said the SCDHB had also brought businesses in the region on board to spread the information.
‘‘We have various businesses in town which have wellness programmes, health and safety programmes under that umbrella of health and suicide prevention.
‘‘In November and December last year we took suicide prevention programmes to 4,000 people who work in freezing works for the Alliance Company including Smithfield and Oamaru.’’
Across New Zealand, the male-dominated occupations where the men are most at risk of suicide include trades, construction, manufacturing, farming, forestry, freezing, and fishing, she said.
‘‘So that’s why we take the programmes out to these work places. What we’re trying to do is basically make them aware that help is available,’’ Beautrais said.
In New Zealand there is a free phone counselling service, free counselling through general practice, workplaces have free counselling through employee assistance programmes, and for those who need further help, free services through the DHB.
‘‘Basically the workplace programme is about looking out for your mates and we give them some skills and the confidence to refer them for appropriate help.
‘‘A simple phone call or SMS to the national telehealth service’s 1737 number, which is available 24/7, will provide counselling to anyone who ‘wants to talk’.’’
Posters advertising the 1737 number are being distributed at places frequented by a lot of people.
The SCDHB also works with the Rural Support Trust trying to ‘‘reach again a maledominated work force’’.
‘‘The chief of psychiatry, Cecilia Smith-Hamel, and I meet on a regular basis with the Trust and when they have people they’re concerned about they contact us for advice and guidance,’’ Beautrais said.
She said MenzShed, a new venture in Timaru, visited particularly by retired men proved to be a useful meeting place.
‘‘They’re always learning more about loneliness and lack of connectedness, particularly among older people and retired people once they are out of the work force.’’
An article recently published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, based on research by University of Auckland researcher Dr Gary Cheung, said depression was often under-reported and underdiagnosed in older people, who were more likely to report somatic (bodily) symptoms than emotional.
Internationally, there is little research into how to help older people who have self-harmed, but several studies suggest ‘talk therapy’ (interpersonal psychotherapy and problemsolving therapy) may reduce suicidal thoughts.
‘‘Since depression is often associated with self-harm and suicide in older people, better screening for and treatment of depression is a very promising intervention,’’ Cheung said. Where to get help:
‘‘The workplace programme is about looking out for your mates . . .’’ Professor Annette Beautrais Lifeline (open 24/7) – 0800 543 354 Depression Helpline (open 24/7) – 0800 111 757 Healthline (open 24/7) – 0800 611 116 Samaritans (open 24/7) – 0800 726 666 Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends. Youthline (open 24/7) – 0800 376 633. You can also text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email talk@youthline.co.nz 0800 WHATSUP children’s helpline – phone 0800 9428 787 between 1pm and 10pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 10pm on weekends. Online chat is available from 7pm to 10pm every day at www.whatsup.co.nz. Kidsline (open 24/7) – 0800 543 754. This service is for children aged 5 to 18. Those who ring between 4pm and 9pm on weekdays will speak to a Kidsline buddy. These are specially trained teenage telephone counsellors. Your local Rural Support Trust – 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP) Alcohol Drug Helpline (open 24/7) – 0800 787 797. You can also text 8691 for free.