Shocking statistics showing 43 per cent of people who suicided had depression, 29.5 per cent of people had alcohol and drug issues, 17.5 per cent had anxiety and 14.9 per cent had alcohol in their bloodstream at the time of their death have been released by the ABS.
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With this data in mind, and the heartbreak that not only these people go through, but their families and friends they leave behind, perhaps more awareness of mental health issues is needed.
A major boost in the region to overcome stereotyping, ignorance and to educate the community on helping sufferers of mental health is needed, in the hope that people don’t end up in a self-harm situation.
Mental health is often not given enough priority in general public debate about health issues.
Without high-profile discussion, sufferers do not always get the public attention and support they need. They and their issues can end up “hidden” in a corner.
The community is not given enough information to improve knowledge and influence attitudes towards victims. This can limit their ability or willingness to help.
It is not a new problem. But, it is one that needs to be addressed.
Depression has become a growing health issue in local communities. It has become more common among farmers fighting a desperate battle against the drought and financial ruin.
More alarming figures released show of those who died by suicide in the past year 75 per cent (2348 people) were male, with 45-49 year-olds making up the highest proportion.
Mental illness can trigger a wide range of other problems like family breakdowns, addictions, violence and, tragically, even suicide. It is often the source of behaviours that cause other health issues.
NSW Mental Health Minister Jai Rowell visited Dubbo to listen to local organisations helping people with mental illness, depression or problems with drug and alcohol use.
Mental illness has long carried a stigma and was often mentioned only in whispers.
Old-fashioned taboos, barriers and stereotypes need to be dropped.
Government departments and health organisations need to push mental health to the forefront of the health debate because with more and more people talking about it and recognising it, then hopefully, these figures will go down.
