Today, in conjunction with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative we launch a new initiative aimed at raising awareness in this community of our high suicide rate. Most importantly we are calling on this community to take the time to nd out what they can do to help by joining our Care To QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer campaign. Our goal is for 10 per cent of this community to be beacons in the ght against the darkness. In coming weeks we will bring you the stories of those directly impacted by suicide, stories like Ann Frankham’s today. Help us bring this issue into the light. LISA WACHSMUTH reports, P4-5. EDITORIAL P57. Find out how you can become a QPR Gatekeeper inside today or via illawarramercury.com.au 4 ILLAWARRA MERCURY Saturday July 07, 2018 illawarramercury.com.au NEWS CARE TO QPR CAMPAIGN

didn’t die on that particular night and that I managed to muddle through despite the Time to talk stigma around suicide, the lack of access to support, at the time,” she said. “My ongoing recovery has been helped by the about suicide support of good friends, by keeping connected with my community, and by my in- BY LISA WACHSMUTH going to bounce back, I’m a are encouraged to play their volvement in the arts – such rubber ball.” part by raising awareness, as Bundanon’s communi- WHEN Ann Frankham re- It took some time – and the helping to reduce stigma ty program. turned to her work in the rag support of friends and fami- and, importantly, undertak- “And I know I’m now trade after a suicide attempt, ly – for Ann to bounce back, ing an online suicide preven- making a di erence in other she found the word ‘hypo- but she’s now using her lived tion training course called people’s lives – just by having chondriac’ written on her experience to help others ex- QPR, or Question, Persuade, conversations with them, garment presser. periencing suicidal thoughts. Refer (see separate story). just by listening with no It was 1974, Ann was 24 As a consumer repre- Suicide rates in the region judgement. Because more years old and living in Wol- sentative with Grand Paci c remain higher than the state often than not, people don’t longong’s northern suburbs, Health, the 68-year old – who average, with around 40 to 60 want to die, they just want still grieving the death of now lives in Bomaderry – is suicide deaths each year over someone to listen – and that her beloved mother two working to stop the stigma the past decade according can be the hardest thing. years prior. that remains around suicide. to new gures released this LIVED EXPERIENCE: South Coast resident Ann Frankham made an attempt on her life “So I'd say to people ‘Lis- “For me it wasn’t premed- “A lot of people do still week by the Collaborative. four decades ago, and is now sharing her story to help tackle high suicide rates in the EVERYONE'S BUSINESS: Suicide affects people in all age groups (see inset), across all socio-economic groups and from all cultural, religious and ten to what I'm saying, and itated. It was a reaction to shy away from the topic of Dr Hains, regional manag- Illawarra Shoalhaven. Picture: Robert Peet language backgrounds. That's why everyone can play their part in helping to prevent it. Main picture: Adam McLean what I'm not saying; look at my ongoing grief over the suicide,” she says. “Even er of the Collaborative, says me and see me, not just what sudden loss of my mother for recently a friend said to me research suggests that for “As a result, the crude dents,” he said. “ ree out of on suicide – giving us a clear- says Dr Hains, and why that in order to reduce the what role they play in suicide egies into one communi- rst place. you want to see’.” whom I’d been the main car- ‘some people just don’t want every suicide death there are number of suicide deaths four suicide deaths are male er picture of what’s actually the Collaborative is using suicide rates for our region, prevention – and feel con - ty-led approach. “And the evidence sug- Over the next nine weeks, er,” she says. “I just thought ‘I to know’ and I replied ‘yeah, more than 30 attempts, and should really be considered and more than a third (37 per going on in our region,” Dr the data to inform a range we need to work more col- dent and competent to play “Over the last two decades gests by implementing all in the lead-up to R U OK Day can’t deal with this anymore’. and those are the ones I want an additional 200 people se- the ‘tip of the iceberg’.” cent) of people who suicide Hains said. “What it shows of evidence-based suicide laboratively with each other.” that role,” Dr Hains says. there’s been a gradual in- these strategies at the same on September 13, the Mercu- “I had to have surgery at to target’.” riously considering suicide. Nationwide, Dr Hains says, did not have a mental health is that there’s no one unique prevention activities across at thinking led to the In 2016 the Collaborative crease in suicide deaths so it time we can expect to reduce ry will run a series of articles Wollongong Hospital, and in Today the Mercury , in col- “It’s worth noting that sui- there was an average of 2795 condition.” pro le for those who die by all sectors. formation in 2015 of the became one of four trial sites was clear that what we were suicide deaths by 20 per cent outlining what is being done the aftermath I just remem- laboration with the Illawarra cide is unlike any other death deaths in the ve-year period e local data for the Illa- suicide or attempt suicide. “We see that suicide is Collaborative – which brings in NSW for LifeSpan, the doing was not enough,” she and suicide attempts by 30 in the region to save lives – ber feeling this shame and Shoalhaven Suicide Preven- in the way it a ects commu- from 2012 to 2016 – equating warra Shoalhaven shows that “And while suicide rates preventable, and we also see almost 40 organisations from nation’s largest integrated said. “So we wanted to take per cent.” and what help is available for feeling very misunderstood. tion Collaborative, is starting nities,” he said. to around eight people dying suicide a ects every social are highest among middle that right now this region has across the region including suicide prevention program an integrated approach and For people like Ann, the in- those in crisis. “When I returned to work a series of articles, and shar- “Research has found that from suicide a day. and economic group and aged people (41 to 55 years), a fantastic opportunity to health and education pro- developed by the Black a regionally driven approach tegrated measures to reduce If you’d like to talk to any- – to see that word on the ing personal accounts like there are 130-plus people “Suicide has overtaken people from all sexual orien- there is no age group im- have a signi cant and sus- viders, local councils and Dog Institute. using the nine strategies. suicide are a “monumental one about the issues raised presser – I could just feel this Ann’s, as part of a campaign signi cantly a ected every tra c accidents as a leading tations and cultural, religious mune to suicide, including tainable impact on suicide,” businesses, and support and Dr Fiona Shand of the “Some of them focus on step forward” in the way the in this article call Lifeline energy of disapproval. to reduce the number of lives time there is a suicide death, cause of death, with twice and language backgrounds. people aged 65 years plus.” he says. “While there’s lots emergency services. Blackdog Institute is the re- people already at risk, others community views, and works on 13 11 14; Suicide Call “Yet I also thought ‘I’m lost to suicide in the region. sometimes resulting in fur- as many Australians dying “We now have access to Which is why “suicide of services doing really good “We want everybody in the search director for LifeSpan, focus on ensuring people to prevent, suicide. Back Service 1300 659 467 going to show you guys, I’m All community members ther suicides. by suicide than in car acci- the best data we’ve ever had is everyone’s business” things, what we’ve learnt is community to understand which combines nine strat- don’t get to that point in the “I’m very lucky that I or MensLine 1300 789 978. illawarramercury.com.au Saturday July 07, 2018 ILLAWARRA MERCURY 5 CARE TO QPR CAMPAIGN NEWS

didn’t die on that particular night and that I managed to muddle through despite the Time to talk stigma around suicide, the lack of access to support, at the time,” she said. “My ongoing recovery has been helped by the about suicide support of good friends, by keeping connected with my community, and by my in- BY LISA WACHSMUTH going to bounce back, I’m a are encouraged to play their volvement in the arts – such rubber ball.” part by raising awareness, as Bundanon’s communi- WHEN Ann Frankham re- It took some time – and the helping to reduce stigma ty program. turned to her work in the rag support of friends and fami- and, importantly, undertak- “And I know I’m now trade after a suicide attempt, ly – for Ann to bounce back, ing an online suicide preven- making a di erence in other she found the word ‘hypo- but she’s now using her lived tion training course called people’s lives – just by having chondriac’ written on her experience to help others ex- QPR, or Question, Persuade, conversations with them, garment presser. periencing suicidal thoughts. Refer (see separate story). just by listening with no It was 1974, Ann was 24 As a consumer repre- Suicide rates in the region judgement. Because more years old and living in Wol- sentative with Grand Paci c remain higher than the state often than not, people don’t longong’s northern suburbs, Health, the 68-year old – who average, with around 40 to 60 want to die, they just want still grieving the death of now lives in Bomaderry – is suicide deaths each year over someone to listen – and that her beloved mother two working to stop the stigma the past decade according can be the hardest thing. years prior. that remains around suicide. to new gures released this LIVED EXPERIENCE: South Coast resident Ann Frankham made an attempt on her life “So I'd say to people ‘Lis- “For me it wasn’t premed- “A lot of people do still week by the Collaborative. four decades ago, and is now sharing her story to help tackle high suicide rates in the EVERYONE'S BUSINESS: Suicide affects people in all age groups (see inset), across all socio-economic groups and from all cultural, religious and ten to what I'm saying, and itated. It was a reaction to shy away from the topic of Dr Hains, regional manag- Illawarra Shoalhaven. Picture: Robert Peet language backgrounds. That's why everyone can play their part in helping to prevent it. Main picture: Adam McLean what I'm not saying; look at my ongoing grief over the suicide,” she says. “Even er of the Collaborative, says me and see me, not just what sudden loss of my mother for recently a friend said to me research suggests that for “As a result, the crude dents,” he said. “ ree out of on suicide – giving us a clear- says Dr Hains, and why that in order to reduce the what role they play in suicide egies into one communi- rst place. you want to see’.” whom I’d been the main car- ‘some people just don’t want every suicide death there are number of suicide deaths four suicide deaths are male er picture of what’s actually the Collaborative is using suicide rates for our region, prevention – and feel con - ty-led approach. “And the evidence sug- Over the next nine weeks, er,” she says. “I just thought ‘I to know’ and I replied ‘yeah, more than 30 attempts, and should really be considered and more than a third (37 per going on in our region,” Dr the data to inform a range we need to work more col- dent and competent to play “Over the last two decades gests by implementing all in the lead-up to R U OK Day can’t deal with this anymore’. and those are the ones I want an additional 200 people se- the ‘tip of the iceberg’.” cent) of people who suicide Hains said. “What it shows of evidence-based suicide laboratively with each other.” that role,” Dr Hains says. there’s been a gradual in- these strategies at the same on September 13, the Mercu- “I had to have surgery at to target’.” riously considering suicide. Nationwide, Dr Hains says, did not have a mental health is that there’s no one unique prevention activities across at thinking led to the In 2016 the Collaborative crease in suicide deaths so it time we can expect to reduce ry will run a series of articles Wollongong Hospital, and in Today the Mercury , in col- “It’s worth noting that sui- there was an average of 2795 condition.” pro le for those who die by all sectors. formation in 2015 of the became one of four trial sites was clear that what we were suicide deaths by 20 per cent outlining what is being done the aftermath I just remem- laboration with the Illawarra cide is unlike any other death deaths in the ve-year period e local data for the Illa- suicide or attempt suicide. “We see that suicide is Collaborative – which brings in NSW for LifeSpan, the doing was not enough,” she and suicide attempts by 30 in the region to save lives – ber feeling this shame and Shoalhaven Suicide Preven- in the way it a ects commu- from 2012 to 2016 – equating warra Shoalhaven shows that “And while suicide rates preventable, and we also see almost 40 organisations from nation’s largest integrated said. “So we wanted to take per cent.” and what help is available for feeling very misunderstood. tion Collaborative, is starting nities,” he said. to around eight people dying suicide a ects every social are highest among middle that right now this region has across the region including suicide prevention program an integrated approach and For people like Ann, the in- those in crisis. “When I returned to work a series of articles, and shar- “Research has found that from suicide a day. and economic group and aged people (41 to 55 years), a fantastic opportunity to health and education pro- developed by the Black a regionally driven approach tegrated measures to reduce If you’d like to talk to any- – to see that word on the ing personal accounts like there are 130-plus people “Suicide has overtaken people from all sexual orien- there is no age group im- have a signi cant and sus- viders, local councils and Dog Institute. using the nine strategies. suicide are a “monumental one about the issues raised presser – I could just feel this Ann’s, as part of a campaign signi cantly a ected every tra c accidents as a leading tations and cultural, religious mune to suicide, including tainable impact on suicide,” businesses, and support and Dr Fiona Shand of the “Some of them focus on step forward” in the way the in this article call Lifeline energy of disapproval. to reduce the number of lives time there is a suicide death, cause of death, with twice and language backgrounds. people aged 65 years plus.” he says. “While there’s lots emergency services. Blackdog Institute is the re- people already at risk, others community views, and works on 13 11 14; Suicide Call “Yet I also thought ‘I’m lost to suicide in the region. sometimes resulting in fur- as many Australians dying “We now have access to Which is why “suicide of services doing really good “We want everybody in the search director for LifeSpan, focus on ensuring people to prevent, suicide. Back Service 1300 659 467 going to show you guys, I’m All community members ther suicides. by suicide than in car acci- the best data we’ve ever had is everyone’s business” things, what we’ve learnt is community to understand which combines nine strat- don’t get to that point in the “I’m very lucky that I or MensLine 1300 789 978. Three simple steps that could save a life QUESTION. Persuade. Refer. “QPR is a one-hour online Health Minister Brad Haz- about suicide and we can do It’s three simple steps that training course that costs just zard to fund training for 1000 that directly and by doing so anyone can learn to help save $10 – less than most people’s residents. it could save a life.” a life from suicide says Illa- lunch – that will help people “The training will give The next step, Dr Hains warra psychologist Dr Alex recognise and confidently people the confidence to ask says, is to listen and persuade Hains. And – as community respond to warning signs of a family member, friend or people to access services. members are encouraged to suicide,” Dr Hains said. colleague, about their suicid- Referring people to GPs and learn CPR to potentially save “We want to get 10 per al thoughts without reverting psychologists and crisis sup- lives – Dr Hains is urging the cent of the population in to awkward euphemisms,” port services such as Lifeline public to learn QPR to do the the Illawarra Shoalhaven to Dr Hains said. are good options; they could same for those people strug- do QPR. If one in 10 people “One of the myths relates also be encouraged to get gling with suicidal thoughts. have done the training, it will to the perceived danger of relationship advice, financial The regional manager of mean people who are strug- talking about suicide. That support or other assistance. the Illawarra Shoalhaven gling are very likely to come SHARED GOAL: Keira MP Ryan Park, Dr Alex Hains and by talking to someone about To obtain one of the 1000 Suicide Prevention Collab- into contact with people who Illawarra Mercury editor Julian O'Brien. Picture: Robert Peet suicide might put the idea free QPR licences, valid for orative said the internation- will know how to help them.” in their minds and increase three years, go to www.suici- ally-renowned QPR training The Mercury has joined the help of local politicians port to roll out QPR locally the risk. Instead we need to depreventioncollaborative. program had proven to be forces with the Collaborative to lobby for funding. And – with Keira MP Ryan Park understand that we can ask org.au/QPR effective in saving lives. to reach that goal, enlisting there’s been bipartisan sup- securing $10,000 from NSW people if they’re thinking – LISA WACHSMUTH 12 ILLAWARRA MERCURY Saturday July 28, 2018 illawarramercury.com.au NEWS CARE TO QPR CAMPAIGN

ronment. Edmund Rice College principal Peter McGovern Life lessons said YAM had o ered a prac- tical way for students to learn about issues that could be di cult to talk about. “In the age we live in more for students and more schools are look- ing for opportunities around mental health, particularly BY LISA WACHSMUTH FACTS ABOUT YOUTH SUICIDE around resilience building and suicide prevention,” he SCHOOLYARD and cyber- The statistics are confronting, but help is available said. “Year 9 students are the bullying lead to too many I Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians perfect age for this program, suicide deaths in young peo- between 15 and 44 years of age. as adolescence is an emo- ple – but for Isabella Brennan I Young Australians are more likely to take their own life tional time where there’s the reverse was true. than die in motor vehicle accidents. some uncertainty and awk- e bullying started for I About 11 per cent of suicide deaths in the Illawarra and wardness. the Shellharbour girl after Shoalhaven occur in the 12 to 25 year age group. “Destigmatising this area, her suicide attempt at age 15, I Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14; headspace on 1800 650 890; giving young people the in- with verbal, written and even Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800. formation and coping skills physical abuse coming thick and letting them know where and fast. to get help is vital.” It was too much for Isabel- struggles; as a funeral direc- afterwards we had one of Isa- As part of the YAM roll la to take, and she dropped tor she sees the immense bella’s friends come through LEARNING CURVE: Melissa Cameron is the YAM program co-ordinator for schools in HELPING OTHERS: Shellharbour teenager Isabella Brennan was relentlessly bullied after making an attempt on her life three years ago; now she and out, the QPR: Question, Per- out of high school. Now grief of many who have lost who had died by suicide. the region, including Kanahooka High School where she's based. Picture: Sylvia Liber her mother Kylie Hanigan share their experiences as members of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative. Picture: Robert Peet suade, Refer online suicide though, thanks to health loved ones to suicide. “It was heart wrenching, prevention course was also professionals and groups “My daughter ended up and since then there’s been Mental Health (YAM) pro- are struggling.” independent secondary mental health literacy among the 17 to 25 year age group, is even more prevalent – so in the booklet ensuring the and discuss a wide variety of promoted to school sta and like Roses in the Ocean, she’s in hospital after a suicide many more, and sta are gram in Illawarra and Shoal- Young people can be schools, have completed young people and teaching with youth suicide (12 to 25 YAM targets all those things.” students are well prepared to feelings, solutions and out- parents. found the support she needs. attempt, and I was so scared all trained to have those haven schools. particularly vulnerable to the program. them the skills necessary years) accounting for 14 per Melissa Cameron, based reach out for support when comes. e Mercury , with the Il- As a youth representative for some time that she’d try relevant conversations with “Maybe those girls saw mental health problems, “YAM is a European pro- for coping with adverse life cent of deaths nationally. at Kanahooka High School, they need it.” “YAM helps students to lawarra Shoalhaven Suicide for the Illawarra Shoalhaven again – I didn’t want to let families and friends, who are bullying as having a bit of self-harm or suicide, accord- gram which had the strong- events and stress, so that “YAM focuses on mental has co-ordinated the roll-out She said the ve-session realise that they have choic- Prevention Collaborative, is Suicide Prevention Collab- her out of my sight,” she said. susceptible too.” fun with someone at school – ing to Black Dog Institute est evidence in relation to they get help before reaching health broadly, and there’s of the YAM program to the program actively involved es when faced with di cult also running a campaign to orative, Isabella, now 18, is “It was hard to access re- Isabella said she was they didn’t realise the impact researcher Dr Michelle Tye. reducing suicide attempts crisis point.” also a targeted suicide com- region’s schools. students. “In the YAM pro- situations by exploring prob- get more people to sign up to also sharing her experiences sources at rst but I dug deep heartened by the strategies they could have on some- at’s why the institute and the severity of suicidal Mental health issues such ponent,” Dr Tye said. “It aims to challenge stu- gram, youth are considered lem solving, and encourages QPR. to inform new strategies to and found them, and Isabel- the region’s suicide pre- one’s life,” Isabella said. partnered with the NSW thinking in young people,” as depression and anxiety “However we know that dents’ negative perceptions experts of their own mental solidarity and strategies to As part of that, NSW Health help other young people. la went through the mental vention collaborative was “ at’s why it’s so impor- Department of Education to Dr Tye said. are increasing for young peo- in young people there’s 100 and equip them with strat- health and their voices and help peers in need.” Minister Brad Hazzard fund- Her mother, Kylie Hani- health system and came out putting in place to reduce tant that young people are trial YAM in this region in “Black Dog has brought ple, Dr Tye said. to 200 suicide attempts per egies to help each other in experiences take centre Students had told her they ed 1000 courses (usual cost gan, also adds the bene t of the other side. suicide deaths, and attempts. taught about mental health terms one and two this year. this program to Australia Each year about 90 school- death, so it could be up to times of need,” she said. stage,” Ms Cameron said. had valued being able to talk $10). To secure one of the 300 her lived experience to the “I then joined funeral e whole-of-community and suicide, that they know So far more than 3500 as part of the LifeSpan ap- aged children (4 to 17 years) 18,000 people attempting “Help-seeking behav- “Role-play and re ection openly and honestly about remaining free courses visit collaborative. She’s not only directors Hansen & Cole 12 approach includes the roll what they should say – and Year 9 students, from 25 proach to suicide prevention. die by suicide. Death by su- suicide at school age. Sui- iour is also promoted, with stand at the core of the pro- mental health and suicide in www.suicidepreventioncol- witnessed her daughter’s months ago, and eight weeks out of the Youth Aware of not say – to their peers who government, Catholic and “It works by improving icide increases markedly in cidal thinking and self harm strategies and information gram as the students play out a con dential and safe envi- laborative.org.au/QPR

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BY LISA WACHSMUTH sues for over a decade,” Ms and friends and his GP was Clark said. comfortable enough to de- JUDIE Clark lost her young- “Diagnosed with Asperg- crease his medication. est child to suicide, and er’s when he was a child, he “He did everything that now campaigns to prevent struggled to t in at school was asked of him by health the loss of more lives in and later started using pot to professionals, he improved her community. ease his anxiety. But it only out of sight,” Ms Clark said. Her son Aaron, 30, had exacerbated his issues and “ en we noticed changes struggled with mental illness he su ered a drug-induced in him again. His body, his for several years – and had psychosis at 21 and spent brain, just started to let him received support from fami- time at Shellharbour Hospi- down. His medication was ly, friends and health profes- tal’s psychiatric ward. increased, but a few days lat- sionals – yet took his life 22 “After that, and with the er he took his own life. at months ago. help of mental health profes- was 22 months ago, and it He’d never attempted sionals, I nursed him through doesn’t get any easier.” SPEAKING OUT: (clockwise from left) Judie, Aaron and Ron Clark; Kylie Hanigan and suicide prior, had never two bouts of catatonia – he It does give the Ulladulla Isabella Brennan; Rhiannon Mackie; Nikki Bushell; Bruce McMillan; Ann Frankham and e community too, needs suade, Refer online training tive.org.au/QPR en part. “It’s been fantastic to expressed his wish to die, wouldn’t speak, he wouldn’t couple compassion for oth- Steve Gibbeson are among those to share their stories as part of the campaign. to be educated to stop the course: “ e more education Collaborative regional have people share their own and his parents Judie and eat, he wouldn’t move. ers – those struggling with stigma around mental illness there is, the more tolerance manager Dr Alex Hains said experiences of suicide and Ron’s crippling grief was “ e third time he be- mental illness and suicidal not shy away from it. To edu- her son took his life. Where space,” she said. and suicide. “It’s such a hid- and understanding.” this had led to a “massive up- recovery in the campaign compounded by the thought came catatonic, he needed thoughts, and the loved ones cate yourself as much as you others have also taken their Ms Clark, a nurse, would den problem in the commu- e Mercury, along with swing” of people doing the stories, and their messages that they’d missed the warn- to spend additional time at trying to care for them. can, to seek help for yourself lives. Where he was found like to see more training in nity because of the stigma,” the Illawarra Shoalhaven course. “ e more people of hope and encouragement ing signs. Shellharbour Hospital.” “Suicide is like a pebble in so you can support your by strangers. mental health for health pro- Ms Clark said. “It’s not a Suicide Prevention Collabo- across our communities that are really powerful,” he said. “In hindsight perhaps When he returned home, the water – it ripples out and loved one.” “ ere needs to be bar- fessionals – and their sta . palatable subject for people rative, started a campaign to have done this training, the “We hope the campaign there were signs ... but he’d he seemed well on the way e ects so many people in the Ms Clark is a member of riers, and the area needs to “A lot of patients presenting to discuss – although I think get more residents trained in more people who are able to has let anyone out there who never expressed suicidal to recovery. He started, and family and the community,” a group to seek funding to be improved so people will to GPs have mental health that is changing.” suicide prevention through help each other,” he said. is struggling know they’re not thoughts, although he had completed, TAFE courses; Ms Clark said. “What I’d say improve safety measures go and enjoy the space, so issues, and sta need to be She urged people to com- QPR in July. Details at www. Dr Hains, and the Mercury, alone, that there is help avail- dealt with mental health is- he was engaging with family to families, to friends, is to at the public place where it’s not a solitary, unfriendly kind and non-judgmental.” plete the QPR: Question, Per- suicidepreventioncollabora- thank all those who have tak- able, and they can recover.”

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FOR AFULL COLOUR BROCHURE PLEASE CALL 1800 630 343 Download the app Visit podpi.com.au/book-online Call 02 4271 1322 illawarramercury.com.au Saturday September 08, 2018 ILLAWARRA MERCURY 5 CARE TO QPR CAMPAIGN NEWS Mother’s Working to bust myths mission after BY LISA WACHSMUTH munities, the Black Dog In- stitute has started to conduct TO PREVENT suicide deaths an annual survey of people’s and attempts, it’s important attitudes and beliefs. to separate fact from fiction. Some misconceptions “We know that there are highlighted in the 2018 sur- son’s death some misconceptions out vey include the fact one in there about suicide. And in 10 women, and two in 10 BY LISA WACHSMUTH sues for over a decade,” Ms and friends and his GP was importantly, some of these men, said that people who Clark said. comfortable enough to de- myths result in people not have thoughts about sui- JUDIE Clark lost her young- “Diagnosed with Asperg- crease his medication. reaching out to those close cide should not tell others est child to suicide, and er’s when he was a child, he “He did everything that to them who are struggling,” about it. Twenty per cent of now campaigns to prevent struggled to t in at school was asked of him by health Dr Alex Hains, regional man- respondents believed that the loss of more lives in and later started using pot to professionals, he improved ager of the Illawarra Shoal- most people who suicide her community. ease his anxiety. But it only out of sight,” Ms Clark said. haven Suicide Prevention are psychotic. Her son Aaron, 30, had exacerbated his issues and “ en we noticed changes Collaborative, said. Dr Hains said these type struggled with mental illness he su ered a drug-induced in him again. His body, his “For example, the myth of views were dangerous – for several years – and had psychosis at 21 and spent brain, just started to let him that asking someone if for instance seeking help received support from fami- time at Shellharbour Hospi- down. His medication was they’re thinking of killing is vital, while more than a ly, friends and health profes- tal’s psychiatric ward. increased, but a few days lat- themselves might put the third of people who sui- sionals – yet took his life 22 “After that, and with the er he took his own life. at idea in their head - that’s a cide do not have a mental months ago. help of mental health profes- was 22 months ago, and it really dangerous myth be- health condition. He’d never attempted sionals, I nursed him through doesn’t get any easier.” SPEAKING OUT: (clockwise from left) Judie, Aaron and Ron Clark; Kylie Hanigan and cause it can stop people from Meantime 20 per cent of suicide prior, had never two bouts of catatonia – he It does give the Ulladulla Isabella Brennan; Rhiannon Mackie; Nikki Bushell; Bruce McMillan; Ann Frankham and e community too, needs suade, Refer online training tive.org.au/QPR en part. “It’s been fantastic to reaching out to people at all. survey respondents stated expressed his wish to die, wouldn’t speak, he wouldn’t couple compassion for oth- Steve Gibbeson are among those to share their stories as part of the campaign. to be educated to stop the course: “ e more education Collaborative regional have people share their own “Also, myths or miscon- that once a person is suicid- and his parents Judie and eat, he wouldn’t move. ers – those struggling with stigma around mental illness there is, the more tolerance manager Dr Alex Hains said experiences of suicide and ceptions about suicide can al, they will always be suicid- Ron’s crippling grief was “ e third time he be- mental illness and suicidal not shy away from it. To edu- her son took his life. Where space,” she said. and suicide. “It’s such a hid- and understanding.” this had led to a “massive up- recovery in the campaign lead to discriminatory be- al. Almost half believed that compounded by the thought came catatonic, he needed thoughts, and the loved ones cate yourself as much as you others have also taken their Ms Clark, a nurse, would den problem in the commu- e Mercury, along with swing” of people doing the stories, and their messages liefs, such as people who people who talk about sui- that they’d missed the warn- to spend additional time at trying to care for them. can, to seek help for yourself lives. Where he was found like to see more training in nity because of the stigma,” the Illawarra Shoalhaven course. “ e more people of hope and encouragement attempt suicide are just cide rarely kill themselves. ing signs. Shellharbour Hospital.” “Suicide is like a pebble in so you can support your by strangers. mental health for health pro- Ms Clark said. “It’s not a Suicide Prevention Collabo- across our communities that are really powerful,” he said. attention-seeking. That“These responses suggest “In hindsight perhaps When he returned home, the water – it ripples out and loved one.” “ ere needs to be bar- fessionals – and their sta . palatable subject for people rative, started a campaign to have done this training, the “We hope the campaign doesn’t evoke the compas- that people think there is no there were signs ... but he’d he seemed well on the way e ects so many people in the Ms Clark is a member of riers, and the area needs to “A lot of patients presenting to discuss – although I think get more residents trained in more people who are able to has let anyone out there who sion and care that should be scope for recovery, which never expressed suicidal to recovery. He started, and family and the community,” a group to seek funding to be improved so people will to GPs have mental health that is changing.” suicide prevention through help each other,” he said. is struggling know they’re not our response.” there clearly is,” Dr Hains thoughts, although he had completed, TAFE courses; Ms Clark said. “What I’d say improve safety measures go and enjoy the space, so issues, and sta need to be She urged people to com- QPR in July. Details at www. Dr Hains, and the Mercury, alone, that there is help avail- To measure stigma to- said, “and it means they’re dealt with mental health is- he was engaging with family to families, to friends, is to at the public place where it’s not a solitary, unfriendly kind and non-judgmental.” plete the QPR: Question, Per- suicidepreventioncollabora- thank all those who have tak- able, and they can recover.” wards suicide in our com- not alert to warning signs.” LifeSpan strategy is helping to save lives TWELVE months on from come along as it’ll give them the introduction of a new for depression, anxiety, sub- the launch of the Black Dog a really great sense of all service to support people stance use, and suicidality. Institute’s LifeSpan project that is happening in suicide who present to emergency “We will continue to work in the region, key players and prevention as well as some departments after a suicide with the Black Dog Institute community members will ideas on how they can get attempt, and help them to and other organisations to come together to celebrate involved,” Dr Alex Hains, connect with communi- improve the supports avail- its achievements. regional manager of the Col- ty-based supports. able to people across our The celebration event will laborative, said. The Youth Aware of Mental region, and work to ensure be held at the Kiama Pavilion Suicide rates in the region Health (YAM) program has these supports are effective,” from 8.30am to 10.30am next remain higher than the state also been rolled out to over Dr Hains said. Thursday, to coincide with average, with around 40 to 60 3700 Year 9 students across “Suicide continues to have national R U OK? Day. suicide deaths each year over 26 public, Catholic and inde- a really devastating impact It’s an important mile- the past decade. pendent schools. on our communities. And stone for LifeSpan, which is The Collaborative wasCOMMITTED: Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Meantime StepCare so the Collaborative remains led in this region by the Il- formed in 2015 to reduce Collaborative regional manager Dr Alex Hains. screening is gradually be- committed to involving the lawarra Shoalhaven Suicide suicide deaths and attempts, ing introduced into general whole community to address Prevention Collaborative. and it brings together around The region then became largest integrated suicide practices, which involves this issue.” “We encourage anyone 40 organisations from vari- one of four trial sites in NSW prevention program. everyone who attends a GP Call Lifeline on 13 11 14. from the community to ous sectors. for LifeSpan, the nation’s Achievements include appointment being screened – LISA WACHSMUTH Come and find a 9 SEPT bargain at our AM 8 -12NOON Enjoy the community spirit and Corrimal uncover a treasure or two at our Club RSL Giant Car Boot Sale. Car Park Have a relaxing day and enjoy perusing the array of pre-loved goods that are available for purchase. Find a bargain while doing your bit to be kind to the environment by reducing the amount of materials ending up in landfill.

If you can’t make it to the Giant Car Boot Sale but would like to hold your own garage sale, visit www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/ services/household/Pages/garagesalesandreuse.aspx.

1491504.7.18 Please try to ‘Reuse, Repair and Recycle’ where possible. © wcc FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION go to www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/carboot or phone Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4227 7111.

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