Unfortunate Side of Life

Well today's post is about a sobering topic.

I've just spent the week in Melbourne training for my job as an Apprentice Manager, and most of the focus was on suicide prevention. Sure we talked about business goals, engagement strategies for youth, communication skills for employers, drugs and alcohol in the workplace, but it was the topic of suicide that got the most air time.Why? Keep reading to find out ...

First lets give it some perspective:
The Australian road toll is approximately 1200 per year, according to Federal Government statistics. The Australian suicide rate is approximately 2300 per year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Suicide attempts are reported through the various State Government Health systems, and average over 25,000 per year. Some agencies claim that this formal reporting system excludes some suicide attempts, i.e. the figure could be higher.

Risk factors: (in no particular order)

• male aged 15 to 29,
• depression, psychosis, eating disorder,
• aboriginal females aged 15 - 19,
• drug & alcohol abuse,
• close family member who previously suicided,
• factors leading to sense of helplessness, e.g. rape, loss of employment, marriage breakup, etc.

If you know of anyone who seems at odds with life, or is suffering for longer periods of time then please ask the following question: 

"You know when people feel this way,

 sometimes they think about ending it all.

Have you ever had thoughts about suicide?"

That's right - name it for it is! Don't pussy foot around. When mechanics fix your car they replace all the worn parts. When doctors operate on cancer victims, they remove the whole tumour. Don't be scared. You might save someone's life. If they want to talk hook them up with the:

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

And if you need to get further information, please get the quick fact sheet from Mindframe website.

Let's Drive,

ren0vator