Suicide awareness programs launched
ABC, The 7.30 Report, TV PROGRAM TRANSCRIPT
The pressures associated with life on the farm have long been considered major factors in rural Australia's alarming suicide rate - which remains one of the highest in the world. Federal and state governments spend millions of dollars trying to improve mental health, but in small and often remote communities it can be a tough decision to admit you're not coping. Like many others, Victoria's alpine region has paid a high price from the suicide epidemic in recent years, but the tragedies have inspired some innovative programs to encourage those at risk to share their problems and confront their fears. Geoff Hutchison reports.
23 December 2005
Excessive crying an early warning of childhood mental health problems
Media Release, Monday 19 December 2005, The University of Melbourne
Severe crying episodes in babies could be an early warning sign of future childhood mental health problems in up to one in five children, says University of Melbourne research. The research, conducted by paediatrician Dr Mary Brown for her MD with the University's Department of Infant Psychiatry, followed the progress of 75 babies admitted to Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital for severe crying episodes between 1995 and 1998. All had been admitted to hospital because of episodes of unexplained crying between birth and nine months of age. In four out of five babies, the crying lasted more than three hours a day and none were diagnosed with reflux or other medical problems which could be causing pain.
Dr Brown then assessed the children again when they were aged between five and eight years old. She found:• Twenty per cent had a clinically significant mental health disorder including handicapping anxiety, depressive disorder, behavioral problems and oppositional defiance disorder;• Just over a quarter had a significant separation anxiety disorder by the time they went to school;• Two children were so depressed they said they wanted to die; and• Only one child from the group had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
View media release and contact details at: http://uninews.unimelb.edu.au/articleid_3094.html
Media Release, Monday 19 December 2005, The University of Melbourne
Severe crying episodes in babies could be an early warning sign of future childhood mental health problems in up to one in five children, says University of Melbourne research. The research, conducted by paediatrician Dr Mary Brown for her MD with the University's Department of Infant Psychiatry, followed the progress of 75 babies admitted to Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital for severe crying episodes between 1995 and 1998. All had been admitted to hospital because of episodes of unexplained crying between birth and nine months of age. In four out of five babies, the crying lasted more than three hours a day and none were diagnosed with reflux or other medical problems which could be causing pain.
Dr Brown then assessed the children again when they were aged between five and eight years old. She found:• Twenty per cent had a clinically significant mental health disorder including handicapping anxiety, depressive disorder, behavioral problems and oppositional defiance disorder;• Just over a quarter had a significant separation anxiety disorder by the time they went to school;• Two children were so depressed they said they wanted to die; and• Only one child from the group had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
View media release and contact details at: http://uninews.unimelb.edu.au/articleid_3094.html
Canadian Suicide-Related Research: A Snapshot of the Last 20 Years
SIEC Alert #60, December 2005
Suicide-related research has a long and rich history in Canada, spanning several decades. Through individual and collective efforts, Canadian researchers have made vital contributions to the development of policies, programs and services, at the regional, provincial, national, and international levels.
The literature review provides valuable insight into the overall scope of suicide-related research as well as the specific research interests of Canadian investigators. The document also provides a summary of national and provincial efforts as well as key milestones that have marked the suicide prevention landscape in Canada.
SIEC Alert #60, December 2005
Suicide-related research has a long and rich history in Canada, spanning several decades. Through individual and collective efforts, Canadian researchers have made vital contributions to the development of policies, programs and services, at the regional, provincial, national, and international levels.
The literature review provides valuable insight into the overall scope of suicide-related research as well as the specific research interests of Canadian investigators. The document also provides a summary of national and provincial efforts as well as key milestones that have marked the suicide prevention landscape in Canada.
20 December 2005
THE NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER SAFETY PROMOTION STRATEGY
National Public Health Partnership, 2005
The Strategy outlines specific strategic requirements for improving safety and reducing the incidence and harm of injury to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This Strategy builds on and is integrated with the National Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Plan – 2004-2014, and together they represent a comprehensive approach to safety promotion and injury prevention for all Australians.
The Strategy’s goals include improving the safety of environments and building on community capacity to promote well being, supporting communities to prioritise and address safety and injury issues, and mobilising actions and resources that encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, government, and non-government sectors to work together to promote safety and prevent injury. The Strategy also identifies principles known to be effective in promoting safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to guide implementation of the initiatives in the priority activities.
National Public Health Partnership, 2005
The Strategy outlines specific strategic requirements for improving safety and reducing the incidence and harm of injury to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This Strategy builds on and is integrated with the National Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Plan – 2004-2014, and together they represent a comprehensive approach to safety promotion and injury prevention for all Australians.
The Strategy’s goals include improving the safety of environments and building on community capacity to promote well being, supporting communities to prioritise and address safety and injury issues, and mobilising actions and resources that encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, government, and non-government sectors to work together to promote safety and prevent injury. The Strategy also identifies principles known to be effective in promoting safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to guide implementation of the initiatives in the priority activities.
THE NATIONAL INJURY PREVENTION AND SAFETY PROMOTION PLAN: 2004 - 2014
by the National Public Health Partnership (NPHP).
This Plan encompasses the concepts of safety promotion and injury prevention. It examines unintentional injury, self-harm and harm to others. The purpose of the Plan is to establish a framework for the injury prevention and safety promotion activities of government agencies, local government, the private sector, non-government organisations, communities and individuals. The first implementation strategy will take effect from 1 July 2005. The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing will work with government agencies to promote the Plan across government portfolio areas.
by the National Public Health Partnership (NPHP).
This Plan encompasses the concepts of safety promotion and injury prevention. It examines unintentional injury, self-harm and harm to others. The purpose of the Plan is to establish a framework for the injury prevention and safety promotion activities of government agencies, local government, the private sector, non-government organisations, communities and individuals. The first implementation strategy will take effect from 1 July 2005. The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing will work with government agencies to promote the Plan across government portfolio areas.
Internet service boosts access to mental health info
ABC News Online: Saturday, December 17, 2005
It is hoped a new online service will help mental health professionals working in rural areas to access the latest medical information and services. ANU researcher Kylie Brittliffe says many country people suffer from mental health problems and professionals find it difficult to access the latest information on issues such as depression or suicide.
MulgaNet is a collaborative project between the NSW Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (University of Newcastle), and the e-mental health Research & Development group at the ANU Centre for Mental Health Research. MulgaNet aims to overcome the geographical, time, convenience and cost barriers for rural health workers wishing to access information and development opportunities, and to reduce the ongoing professional isolation of practitioners. View the site at: http://www.mulganet.net.au/index.php
ABC News Online: Saturday, December 17, 2005
It is hoped a new online service will help mental health professionals working in rural areas to access the latest medical information and services. ANU researcher Kylie Brittliffe says many country people suffer from mental health problems and professionals find it difficult to access the latest information on issues such as depression or suicide.
MulgaNet is a collaborative project between the NSW Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (University of Newcastle), and the e-mental health Research & Development group at the ANU Centre for Mental Health Research. MulgaNet aims to overcome the geographical, time, convenience and cost barriers for rural health workers wishing to access information and development opportunities, and to reduce the ongoing professional isolation of practitioners. View the site at: http://www.mulganet.net.au/index.php
Business Development Manager - Griffith University (Mt Gravatt Campus)
Salary range: $50,750 - $54,256 plus 17% superannuation
An experienced promoter is required by the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention. Responsibilities include providing advice and support to the Director on long-term planning and implementation of research programs, and assistance in the development of industry partnerships and international research and liaison activities. Other key responsibilities include administration, staffing and finance matters relating to the general management of the Institute. For further info please see: www.griffith.edu.au/hrm/employment/ Position descriptions and application information can be found at our website. Enquiries: 07 3735 4010 or r.dayal@griffith.edu.auSK/Reference: CSR15463/05.
Closing Date: 20 January 2006. Full Advert available at: www.seek.com.au
Salary range: $50,750 - $54,256 plus 17% superannuation
An experienced promoter is required by the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention. Responsibilities include providing advice and support to the Director on long-term planning and implementation of research programs, and assistance in the development of industry partnerships and international research and liaison activities. Other key responsibilities include administration, staffing and finance matters relating to the general management of the Institute. For further info please see: www.griffith.edu.au/hrm/employment/ Position descriptions and application information can be found at our website. Enquiries: 07 3735 4010 or r.dayal@griffith.edu.auSK/Reference: CSR15463/05.
Closing Date: 20 January 2006. Full Advert available at: www.seek.com.au
16 December 2005
Scoping Study to Evaluate Existing Suicide Prevention Training Modules and Resources for General Practitioners
Request for Tender 155/0506
The Department of Health and Ageing is seeking tenders from capable individuals or organisations to undertake a study to determine the feasibility of developing, piloting and evaluating suicide prevention curriculum for undergraduate medical students. Organisations interested in tendering must address the evaluation criteria in the format outlined in the Request For Tender document, available in the first instance by registering on the form on this page: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/rft1550506
Tenders will close at 2pm on 17 January 2006 in Canberra
Request for Tender 155/0506
The Department of Health and Ageing is seeking tenders from capable individuals or organisations to undertake a study to determine the feasibility of developing, piloting and evaluating suicide prevention curriculum for undergraduate medical students. Organisations interested in tendering must address the evaluation criteria in the format outlined in the Request For Tender document, available in the first instance by registering on the form on this page: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/rft1550506
Tenders will close at 2pm on 17 January 2006 in Canberra
Study Assessing the Feasibility of Developing, Piloting and Evaluating Suicide Prevention for Undergraduate Medical Students
Request for Tender 153/0506
The Department of Health and Ageing is seeking tenders from capable and experienced individuals or organisations to undertake a scoping study to evaluate existing suicide prevention training modules and resources currently available to GPs.
Organisations interested in tendering must address the evaluation criteria in the format outlined in the Request For Tender document, available in the first instance by registering on the form on this page at : http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/rft1530506
Tenders will close at 2pm on 17 January 2006 in Canberra
Request for Tender 153/0506
The Department of Health and Ageing is seeking tenders from capable and experienced individuals or organisations to undertake a scoping study to evaluate existing suicide prevention training modules and resources currently available to GPs.
Organisations interested in tendering must address the evaluation criteria in the format outlined in the Request For Tender document, available in the first instance by registering on the form on this page at : http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/rft1530506
Tenders will close at 2pm on 17 January 2006 in Canberra
Cost of suicide to NZ nearly $1.4 billion a year
Monday, 12 December 2005, Press Release: New Zealand Government
The Cost of Suicide report estimates the cost of the 460 suicides and 5095 attempted suicides in 2002 to total $1,381,492,000 - nearly $1.4 billion. Each suicide was estimated to cost a total of $2,931,250. The report breaks down the total into economic and non-economic costs. Economic costs include services used in cases of suicide and attempted suicide, and production lost due to people exiting or being absent from the workforce. The economic cost of each suicide is put at $448,250, and the non-economic cost at $2,483,000.
Monday, 12 December 2005, Press Release: New Zealand Government
The Cost of Suicide report estimates the cost of the 460 suicides and 5095 attempted suicides in 2002 to total $1,381,492,000 - nearly $1.4 billion. Each suicide was estimated to cost a total of $2,931,250. The report breaks down the total into economic and non-economic costs. Economic costs include services used in cases of suicide and attempted suicide, and production lost due to people exiting or being absent from the workforce. The economic cost of each suicide is put at $448,250, and the non-economic cost at $2,483,000.
Suicide prevention measures
ABC News Radio
Health Minutes, 14th November 2005
What are the best ways of preventing suicide because lots of things have been tried from screening programmes in young people to controlling what the media report on suicide. A group of experts from around the world came together in 2004 to examine the evidence for what works and found it to be wanting.
ABC News Radio
Health Minutes, 14th November 2005
What are the best ways of preventing suicide because lots of things have been tried from screening programmes in young people to controlling what the media report on suicide. A group of experts from around the world came together in 2004 to examine the evidence for what works and found it to be wanting.
Psychologists, Social Workers, Mental Health Nurses North Shore
Full-time or part-time Mental Health Advisors required for critical incident, crisis and case management counselling on the North Shore. With a range of specialist services this company is seeking Mental Health Professionals with various backgrounds to provide crisis management, counseling, case management and health information to consumers.
Providing a key role in the community, your services will assist in the prevention of suicide and will ensure that people with mental health problems are able to adequately receive essential support and treatment.
Please call Michelle on 02 9281 5466 for a confidential chat or email your resume for consideration. jobs@tracepersonnel.com.au www.tracepersonnel.com.au
4A1/410 Elizabeth Street Surry Hills NSW 2010
View job advertisement at: www.seek.com.au
Full-time or part-time Mental Health Advisors required for critical incident, crisis and case management counselling on the North Shore. With a range of specialist services this company is seeking Mental Health Professionals with various backgrounds to provide crisis management, counseling, case management and health information to consumers.
Providing a key role in the community, your services will assist in the prevention of suicide and will ensure that people with mental health problems are able to adequately receive essential support and treatment.
Please call Michelle on 02 9281 5466 for a confidential chat or email your resume for consideration. jobs@tracepersonnel.com.au www.tracepersonnel.com.au
4A1/410 Elizabeth Street Surry Hills NSW 2010
View job advertisement at: www.seek.com.au
13 December 2005
Suicide prevention needs direction
by Jeni Harvie, The Australian, December 03, 2005
"THIS is the simple but powerful message sketched out in a pamphlet entitled Toughin' It Out. Aimed at people with suicidal thoughts, it outlines ways to "outsmart" the thoughts and break the depression. The pamphlet was devised by Simon Bridge, a GP in Cairns, Queensland.... as a tool "to counter impulsivity, to buy time for the crisis to pass and allow other supports to be mobilised, for medication to take effect".
View the pamphlet and further information at: http://www.kirinaran.com/Suicidal%20Thoughths/Suicidal%20Thoughts%20frames/Suicidal_Thoughts_frameset.htm
by Jeni Harvie, The Australian, December 03, 2005
"THIS is the simple but powerful message sketched out in a pamphlet entitled Toughin' It Out. Aimed at people with suicidal thoughts, it outlines ways to "outsmart" the thoughts and break the depression. The pamphlet was devised by Simon Bridge, a GP in Cairns, Queensland.... as a tool "to counter impulsivity, to buy time for the crisis to pass and allow other supports to be mobilised, for medication to take effect".
View the pamphlet and further information at: http://www.kirinaran.com/Suicidal%20Thoughths/Suicidal%20Thoughts%20frames/Suicidal_Thoughts_frameset.htm
More of us likely to get depressed
by Adam Cresswell, Health editor, The Australian, December 05, 2005
DEPRESSION is likely to affect about half the population at some point in their lives -- far more than previously thought... Australian expert Gavin Andrews said the proportion of people affected was "certainly much more" than some previous estimates .... Other studies had proposed lifetime risk levels of 40 per cent for women and 30 per cent for men, but a closer look at available evidence suggested the true level for Western countries was higher still, Professor Andrews wrote in the British Journal of Psychiatry.
The article is available online : Lifetime risk of depression: restricted to a minority or waiting for most? - Volume 187, December 2005: 495-496 , The British Journal of Psychiatry
by Adam Cresswell, Health editor, The Australian, December 05, 2005
DEPRESSION is likely to affect about half the population at some point in their lives -- far more than previously thought... Australian expert Gavin Andrews said the proportion of people affected was "certainly much more" than some previous estimates .... Other studies had proposed lifetime risk levels of 40 per cent for women and 30 per cent for men, but a closer look at available evidence suggested the true level for Western countries was higher still, Professor Andrews wrote in the British Journal of Psychiatry.
The article is available online : Lifetime risk of depression: restricted to a minority or waiting for most? - Volume 187, December 2005: 495-496 , The British Journal of Psychiatry
Boost in funds for mentally ill youth
by Adam Cresswell, Health editor, The Australian, December 13, 2005
"YOUTH mental health services will receive a $54million boost nationwide in a bid to shore up the crumbling system and stop young people developing long-term psychiatric problems. The new National Youth Mental Health Foundation, promised by the federal Government in July, is expected to improve the co-ordination of services. It will bring together mental health workers, GPs, psychiatrists and drug and alcohol workers - in many cases under the one roof - in up to 50 centres across the country."
The tender to run the foundation was won by a consortium led by the Melbourne's Orygen Research Centre.
by Adam Cresswell, Health editor, The Australian, December 13, 2005
"YOUTH mental health services will receive a $54million boost nationwide in a bid to shore up the crumbling system and stop young people developing long-term psychiatric problems. The new National Youth Mental Health Foundation, promised by the federal Government in July, is expected to improve the co-ordination of services. It will bring together mental health workers, GPs, psychiatrists and drug and alcohol workers - in many cases under the one roof - in up to 50 centres across the country."
The tender to run the foundation was won by a consortium led by the Melbourne's Orygen Research Centre.
Divorce study highlights effects on children
ABC News Online: December 1, 2005
The initial findings of a study on family break-ups has found children are suffering as a result of being left out of the process. University of South Australia researchers spoke to 20 children experiencing the divorce or separation of their parents. Most expressed feelings of sadness, with two saying they were so depressed they wanted to kill themselves. View story at: http://abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200512/s1520434.htm
More information on the study is published in the UniSA Researcher.
ABC News Online: December 1, 2005
The initial findings of a study on family break-ups has found children are suffering as a result of being left out of the process. University of South Australia researchers spoke to 20 children experiencing the divorce or separation of their parents. Most expressed feelings of sadness, with two saying they were so depressed they wanted to kill themselves. View story at: http://abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200512/s1520434.htm
More information on the study is published in the UniSA Researcher.
MINISTER FOR HEALTH RELEASES ACT SUICIDE PREVENTION STRATEGY
[Media Release]
The ACT Minister for Health, Simon Corbell, has released the ACT Suicide Prevention Strategy which acknowledges and builds on the work that is already being done in the Territory, and provides a coordinated and collaborative approach to suicide prevention for the whole of the community.
The Suicide Prevention: Managing the Risk of Suicide in the ACT 2005 – 2008 strategy has been developed in consultation with a wide range of key stakeholders. It provides information on at-risk population groups and risk factors and proposes a range of early intervention, prevention and care initiatives. It also proposes measures to increase resilience in the population, increase community understanding and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
In Response: Suicide prevention plan needs work: Liberals
ABC News Online: Tuesday, December 6, 2005
The ACT Opposition has welcomed the Government's new suicide prevention strategy, but says it falls short on initiatives relating to young men.
[Media Release]
The ACT Minister for Health, Simon Corbell, has released the ACT Suicide Prevention Strategy which acknowledges and builds on the work that is already being done in the Territory, and provides a coordinated and collaborative approach to suicide prevention for the whole of the community.
The Suicide Prevention: Managing the Risk of Suicide in the ACT 2005 – 2008 strategy has been developed in consultation with a wide range of key stakeholders. It provides information on at-risk population groups and risk factors and proposes a range of early intervention, prevention and care initiatives. It also proposes measures to increase resilience in the population, increase community understanding and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
In Response: Suicide prevention plan needs work: Liberals
ABC News Online: Tuesday, December 6, 2005
The ACT Opposition has welcomed the Government's new suicide prevention strategy, but says it falls short on initiatives relating to young men.
Suicide tops youth concerns: study
ABC News online, December 8, 2005
A new study has found suicide is the number one concern of young Australians. Mission Australia has surveyed 11,300 people aged between 11 and 24 across the nation, asking them to rank 10 issues on level of importance. It has found suicide, physical and sexual abuse and family conflict are the top three concerns, compared to last year's top three issues of alcohol and drug abuse, bullying and coping with stress.
View story at: http://abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200512/s1526270.htm
View the full report at: National youth survey 2005: key and emerging issues
ABC News online, December 8, 2005
A new study has found suicide is the number one concern of young Australians. Mission Australia has surveyed 11,300 people aged between 11 and 24 across the nation, asking them to rank 10 issues on level of importance. It has found suicide, physical and sexual abuse and family conflict are the top three concerns, compared to last year's top three issues of alcohol and drug abuse, bullying and coping with stress.
View story at: http://abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200512/s1526270.htm
View the full report at: National youth survey 2005: key and emerging issues
Suicide prevention in focus
Monday, 5 December 2005
(Story: ABC Mid North Coast NSW)
Over 200 people turned out for a public Mental Health Forum presented by the the newly-formed Port Macquarie-Hastings Suicide Prevention Network and the Rotary Mental Health Safari in Port Macquarie last week. The aim of the forum was to raise awareness of the issues surrounding mental health and suicide in our community.
View story at: http://www.abc.net.au/midnorthcoast/stories/s1523623.htm
Monday, 5 December 2005
(Story: ABC Mid North Coast NSW)
Over 200 people turned out for a public Mental Health Forum presented by the the newly-formed Port Macquarie-Hastings Suicide Prevention Network and the Rotary Mental Health Safari in Port Macquarie last week. The aim of the forum was to raise awareness of the issues surrounding mental health and suicide in our community.
View story at: http://www.abc.net.au/midnorthcoast/stories/s1523623.htm
30 November 2005
MENTAL HEALTH WORKER / RESEARCHER
St Vincent's & Mater Health Sydney
Temporary Part-Time
32 hours per week for 9 wks or 16 hours per week for 18 wks
Selah is a service established by the Sisters of Charity Outreach, which aims to prevent suicide and promote mental health through professional counselling and education. We are seeking a suitably qualified person to complete a report on the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions for suicide prevention. The research will help educate our staff regarding evidence in the field in order that they make informed strategic and therapeutic decisions. You will also liaise with other suicide prevention services, enabling us to be informed of the latest initiatives in the field. You will also contribute to the development of educational materials.
Closing Date:Wednesday 7th December 2005
For further enquiries and position description contact Roger Dunphy on 02 9360 3232 or see advertisement on www.seek.com.au
St Vincent's & Mater Health Sydney
Temporary Part-Time
32 hours per week for 9 wks or 16 hours per week for 18 wks
Selah is a service established by the Sisters of Charity Outreach, which aims to prevent suicide and promote mental health through professional counselling and education. We are seeking a suitably qualified person to complete a report on the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions for suicide prevention. The research will help educate our staff regarding evidence in the field in order that they make informed strategic and therapeutic decisions. You will also liaise with other suicide prevention services, enabling us to be informed of the latest initiatives in the field. You will also contribute to the development of educational materials.
Closing Date:Wednesday 7th December 2005
For further enquiries and position description contact Roger Dunphy on 02 9360 3232 or see advertisement on www.seek.com.au
29 November 2005
2ND INTERNATIONAL SUICIDALITY AND PSYCHOANALYSIS CONGRESS
Relating to Self-harm and Suicide: psychoanalytic perspectives on theory, practice and prevention
30 March - 2 April 2006
Imperial College, London, UK
Congress topics
Suicidal and self-harming behaviour is a major concern internationally. Psychoanalytic thinking and practice has an important contribution to make to the successful implementation of policy objectives - especially reducing and preventing suicide - within the contemporary socio-cultural and policy contexts. The main theme of the congress is relating to suicide and self-harm
Second Call for Papers
We invite abstracts for interactive presentations (max. 250 words). Abstracts should be submitted electronically via the congress website: www.tavi-port.org (select “Conferences” and follow the links) Deadline for abstract submission: 9 December 2005
The congress is designed for mental health practitioners, policy makers, trainers, academics and researchers working with suicide and self-harm.
Contact: The Conference and External Events Unit
The Tavistock and Portman NHSTrust
120 Belsize Lane
London NW3 5BA
UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 8938 2548
Fax: +44 (0)20 7447 3837
Email: events@tavi-por t.org
Relating to Self-harm and Suicide: psychoanalytic perspectives on theory, practice and prevention
30 March - 2 April 2006
Imperial College, London, UK
Congress topics
Suicidal and self-harming behaviour is a major concern internationally. Psychoanalytic thinking and practice has an important contribution to make to the successful implementation of policy objectives - especially reducing and preventing suicide - within the contemporary socio-cultural and policy contexts. The main theme of the congress is relating to suicide and self-harm
Second Call for Papers
We invite abstracts for interactive presentations (max. 250 words). Abstracts should be submitted electronically via the congress website: www.tavi-port.org (select “Conferences” and follow the links) Deadline for abstract submission: 9 December 2005
The congress is designed for mental health practitioners, policy makers, trainers, academics and researchers working with suicide and self-harm.
Contact: The Conference and External Events Unit
The Tavistock and Portman NHSTrust
120 Belsize Lane
London NW3 5BA
UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 8938 2548
Fax: +44 (0)20 7447 3837
Email: events@tavi-por t.org
25 November 2005
Suicide Prevention Coordinator (1.0 FTE)
Mental Health Services Far North (New Zealand)
Mental Health Services are seeking a Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Far North. Applicants will need to demonstrate an ability to work effectively with a range of community agencies, whanau and individuals. Proven experience in developing and delivering educational programmes to staff in community agencies and individuals is required, as is the ability to work well in crisis situations. Closing date: 9 December 2005
To view full job advertisement visit: www.seek.com.au
Mental Health Services Far North (New Zealand)
Mental Health Services are seeking a Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Far North. Applicants will need to demonstrate an ability to work effectively with a range of community agencies, whanau and individuals. Proven experience in developing and delivering educational programmes to staff in community agencies and individuals is required, as is the ability to work well in crisis situations. Closing date: 9 December 2005
To view full job advertisement visit: www.seek.com.au
Gordon inquiry followup
Article by Simon Penn in the The West Australian dated 24 November 2005
"Three years after the Gordon inquiry uncovered a child abuse and family violence epidemic in WA Aboriginal communities, Auditor-General Des Pearson has found that there is no way of telling what changes have been made and whether they have made any difference. "
The inquiry was set up in 2002 after the suicide in 1999 of a 15 year old at the Swan Valley Nyoongar camp.
Details of full report listed below:
PROGRESS WITH IMPLEMENTING THE RESPONSE TO THE GORDON INQUIRY
Report No 11 - November 2005
In December 2002, the Government announced an Action Plan in response to the Gordon Inquiry into family violence and child abuse in Aboriginal communities. The Action Plan contained more than 120 initiatives to ‘improve the capacity of government to protect children from abuse’ and was supported by $66.5 million in new funding. Fifteen public sector agencies were given responsibility for implementing these initiatives.
The examination found that there are inadequacies in the central reporting and monitoring of the progress of the Action Plan to facilitate effective oversight by Government.
View full report at: http://www.audit.wa.gov.au/reports/report2005_11.html
Article by Simon Penn in the The West Australian dated 24 November 2005
"Three years after the Gordon inquiry uncovered a child abuse and family violence epidemic in WA Aboriginal communities, Auditor-General Des Pearson has found that there is no way of telling what changes have been made and whether they have made any difference. "
The inquiry was set up in 2002 after the suicide in 1999 of a 15 year old at the Swan Valley Nyoongar camp.
Details of full report listed below:
PROGRESS WITH IMPLEMENTING THE RESPONSE TO THE GORDON INQUIRY
Report No 11 - November 2005
In December 2002, the Government announced an Action Plan in response to the Gordon Inquiry into family violence and child abuse in Aboriginal communities. The Action Plan contained more than 120 initiatives to ‘improve the capacity of government to protect children from abuse’ and was supported by $66.5 million in new funding. Fifteen public sector agencies were given responsibility for implementing these initiatives.
The examination found that there are inadequacies in the central reporting and monitoring of the progress of the Action Plan to facilitate effective oversight by Government.
View full report at: http://www.audit.wa.gov.au/reports/report2005_11.html
16 November 2005
School Focused Youth Service (Victoria)
The School Focused Youth Service is a joint initiative between the Department of Education and Training (DE&T) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) and complements the increase in support provided to schools in response to the recommendations of the Suicide Prevention Taskforce.
The focus of the initiative is the co-ordination of preventative and early intervention strategies for young people, to be delivered through school and community clusters. The School Focused Youth Service is designed to support effective links between the primary prevention work done by school-based support services within the education sector and the early intervention provided by the community sector. 41 school community clusters have been established across the state to ensure that services are coordinated and responsive to the needs of young people. The 41 service models will be consistent around the state, each with a co-oordinator, and brokerage capacity to respond to gaps in serviceavailability as identified by schools and community. The School Focused Youth Service will link closely to schools and relevant community agencies within each cluster.
Further information can be found at:
http://www.sfys.infoxchange.net.au/
The School Focused Youth Service is a joint initiative between the Department of Education and Training (DE&T) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) and complements the increase in support provided to schools in response to the recommendations of the Suicide Prevention Taskforce.
The focus of the initiative is the co-ordination of preventative and early intervention strategies for young people, to be delivered through school and community clusters. The School Focused Youth Service is designed to support effective links between the primary prevention work done by school-based support services within the education sector and the early intervention provided by the community sector. 41 school community clusters have been established across the state to ensure that services are coordinated and responsive to the needs of young people. The 41 service models will be consistent around the state, each with a co-oordinator, and brokerage capacity to respond to gaps in serviceavailability as identified by schools and community. The School Focused Youth Service will link closely to schools and relevant community agencies within each cluster.
Further information can be found at:
http://www.sfys.infoxchange.net.au/
11 November 2005
Suicide the main killer of our kids
Article in The Courier-Mail, 9th November 2005, by Tanya Chilcott-Moore and Erica Thompson.
" Suicide is the leading cause of death among 10 to 14-year-olds in Queensland...."
Article reports on:
Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Annual Report (Queensland) titled:
Deaths of children and young people Queensland 2004-05
View the full report at: http://www.ccypcg.qld.gov.au/about/whatsNew.html#annual_report
Article in The Courier-Mail, 9th November 2005, by Tanya Chilcott-Moore and Erica Thompson.
" Suicide is the leading cause of death among 10 to 14-year-olds in Queensland...."
Article reports on:
Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Annual Report (Queensland) titled:
Deaths of children and young people Queensland 2004-05
View the full report at: http://www.ccypcg.qld.gov.au/about/whatsNew.html#annual_report
Stalking victims consider suicide
Article in The Age, 11th November 2005 by PETER GREGORY
"One in eight Victorian stalking victims who had been harassed for at least a fortnight had strongly considered suicide"
Discusses article " Association between stalking victimisation and psychiatric morbidity in a random community sample" in the The British Journal of Psychiatry (2005) 187: 416-420
Article in The Age, 11th November 2005 by PETER GREGORY
"One in eight Victorian stalking victims who had been harassed for at least a fortnight had strongly considered suicide"
Discusses article " Association between stalking victimisation and psychiatric morbidity in a random community sample" in the The British Journal of Psychiatry (2005) 187: 416-420
Strategic Development Officer, Suicide Prevention Australia
Part Time, Fixed Term Contract. The successful applicant will be responsible for developing opportunities and supporting the establishment of SPA activities and relationships within each State and Territory, working across sectors, issues and interests. The appointee will be expected to play a critical role in the supporting implementation of the strategic directions of the organisation. ESSENTIAL• Demonstrated project and management experience • Excellent written and interpersonal communications skills • Demonstrated experience working with Government, non Government, academic and practitioner organisations • Knowledge of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy and related policies.
The position will be based in Sydney. This position is expected to involve some inter-state travel and the ability to work flexibly. The successful applicant must be able to undertake such work. As a Part time position, (approximately 20 hours per week) a pro rata salary package based on an annual remuneration of $60,000 plus superannuation and annual leave loading. Salary sacrifice is available. This position is initially for an 11 month period with a potential for extension.
To Apply: Logon to www.seek.com.au and apply online. For copies of position description, selection criteria and further information can be obtained from www.suicidepreventionaust.org or by phoning the SPA office on (02) 9568 3111. Applications close: Monday 14th November.
Part Time, Fixed Term Contract. The successful applicant will be responsible for developing opportunities and supporting the establishment of SPA activities and relationships within each State and Territory, working across sectors, issues and interests. The appointee will be expected to play a critical role in the supporting implementation of the strategic directions of the organisation. ESSENTIAL• Demonstrated project and management experience • Excellent written and interpersonal communications skills • Demonstrated experience working with Government, non Government, academic and practitioner organisations • Knowledge of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy and related policies.
The position will be based in Sydney. This position is expected to involve some inter-state travel and the ability to work flexibly. The successful applicant must be able to undertake such work. As a Part time position, (approximately 20 hours per week) a pro rata salary package based on an annual remuneration of $60,000 plus superannuation and annual leave loading. Salary sacrifice is available. This position is initially for an 11 month period with a potential for extension.
To Apply: Logon to www.seek.com.au and apply online. For copies of position description, selection criteria and further information can be obtained from www.suicidepreventionaust.org or by phoning the SPA office on (02) 9568 3111. Applications close: Monday 14th November.
Research Assistant - Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (APRC)
12 months (Part-time, 0.6 – 0.8 EFT)
The Alfred ‘s Department of Psychiatry is offering an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified person to join the Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (APRC). The successful applicant will manage and implement a research project being conducted within the Alfred CATT/Triage service, examining the link between gambling and suicide. The successful applicant will join a dynamic and friendly team; will be a psychology, nursing or other health professional graduate, and ideally posses clinical and/or research experience. To view the Position Description please click here.
To apply online go to www.seek.com.au. For enquiries please contact Mr Anthony de Castella Tel 9276 6564 to whom applications should be forwarded a.decastella@alfred.org.au by 11th November 2005.
12 months (Part-time, 0.6 – 0.8 EFT)
The Alfred ‘s Department of Psychiatry is offering an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified person to join the Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (APRC). The successful applicant will manage and implement a research project being conducted within the Alfred CATT/Triage service, examining the link between gambling and suicide. The successful applicant will join a dynamic and friendly team; will be a psychology, nursing or other health professional graduate, and ideally posses clinical and/or research experience. To view the Position Description please click here.
To apply online go to www.seek.com.au. For enquiries please contact Mr Anthony de Castella Tel 9276 6564 to whom applications should be forwarded a.decastella@alfred.org.au by 11th November 2005.
10 November 2005
Expressions of Interest - Extending OzHelp Foundation Activities to Four States
The ACT-based OzHelp Foundation deals with mental health issues faced by apprentices in the construction industry. The Foundation is focused on preventative strategies to deal with suicide and associated levels of morbidity (depression, self-harm, etc.) and impacts on the workplace. OzHelp is looking for ways of extending their work to other States. OzHelp is seeking Expressions of Interest from like-minded groups/individuals in the States of NSW, Qld, SA Note: developments in Tasmania are well advanced.
Further information is available from the project consultants:
Marybelle Ignacio
Human Capital Alliance
Ph. 02 9484 9745
Fax. 02 9484 9746
Email: marybelle.ignacio@humancapitalalliance.com.au
The ACT-based OzHelp Foundation deals with mental health issues faced by apprentices in the construction industry. The Foundation is focused on preventative strategies to deal with suicide and associated levels of morbidity (depression, self-harm, etc.) and impacts on the workplace. OzHelp is looking for ways of extending their work to other States. OzHelp is seeking Expressions of Interest from like-minded groups/individuals in the States of NSW, Qld, SA Note: developments in Tasmania are well advanced.
Further information is available from the project consultants:
Marybelle Ignacio
Human Capital Alliance
Ph. 02 9484 9745
Fax. 02 9484 9746
Email: marybelle.ignacio@humancapitalalliance.com.au
Inquiry to seek answers on suicides
Discusses a proposal put to a Senate inquiry, by Philip Morris, psychiatrist and Executive Director of the Gold Coast Institute of Mental Health, that would mean every case of suicide nationally would be examined to find out what led to the person's death and what contacts the dead person had with public and private mental health services.
Article by Adam Cresswell
In: The Australian, 1 November 2005, page 6
Discusses a proposal put to a Senate inquiry, by Philip Morris, psychiatrist and Executive Director of the Gold Coast Institute of Mental Health, that would mean every case of suicide nationally would be examined to find out what led to the person's death and what contacts the dead person had with public and private mental health services.
Article by Adam Cresswell
In: The Australian, 1 November 2005, page 6
04 November 2005
Teens with Deletion Syndrome Confirm Gene’s Role in Psychosis
[Press Release]
A study in youth who are missing part of a chromosome is further implicating a suspect gene in schizophrenia. Youth with this genetic chromosomal deletion syndrome already had a nearly 30-fold higher-than-normal risk of schizophrenia, but those who also had one of two common versions of the suspect gene had worse symptoms. They were more prone to cognitive decline, psychosis and frontal lobe tissue loss by late adolescence, when schizophrenia symptoms begin to emerge, found the study, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).
NIMH: National Institute of Mental Health
October 23, 2005
See full Press Release at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/comtdeletion.cfm?textSize=M
[Press Release]
A study in youth who are missing part of a chromosome is further implicating a suspect gene in schizophrenia. Youth with this genetic chromosomal deletion syndrome already had a nearly 30-fold higher-than-normal risk of schizophrenia, but those who also had one of two common versions of the suspect gene had worse symptoms. They were more prone to cognitive decline, psychosis and frontal lobe tissue loss by late adolescence, when schizophrenia symptoms begin to emerge, found the study, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).
NIMH: National Institute of Mental Health
October 23, 2005
See full Press Release at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/comtdeletion.cfm?textSize=M
Depression and Anxiety in Children and Adolescents
Does cognitive-behavioral therapy work in adolescents? Do SSRIs lead to suicide? Jerrold Rosenbaum and Jennifer Covino answer important questions about pediatric anxiety and depression.
"The number of children and adolescents who suffer from depression continues to grow, with an estimated 1 in 20 afflicted with this illness....The prevalence of depression and anxiety is a growing public health concern because it carries the risk for significant impairment, morbidity, and mortality."
Article covers:
Psychopharmacologic Management of Depression and Anxiety in Youth
Antidepressants and Depression in Youth
TADS
CBT for Anxiety and Depression
In: Medscape Psychiatry & Mental Health. 2005;8(2)
Article available at: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/514636
Does cognitive-behavioral therapy work in adolescents? Do SSRIs lead to suicide? Jerrold Rosenbaum and Jennifer Covino answer important questions about pediatric anxiety and depression.
"The number of children and adolescents who suffer from depression continues to grow, with an estimated 1 in 20 afflicted with this illness....The prevalence of depression and anxiety is a growing public health concern because it carries the risk for significant impairment, morbidity, and mortality."
Article covers:
Psychopharmacologic Management of Depression and Anxiety in Youth
Antidepressants and Depression in Youth
TADS
CBT for Anxiety and Depression
In: Medscape Psychiatry & Mental Health. 2005;8(2)
Article available at: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/514636
28 October 2005
Young 'lack psychiatric treatment'
by DAWN GIBSON
In The West Australian, 22 October 2005
Article begins: "Medical treatment of suicidal young people has improved little over the past four years..."
The article is based on a report by the The Office of the Auditor General of Western Australia:
FOLLOW-UP PERFORMANCE EXAMINATION
Life Matters: Management of Deliberate Self- Harm in Young People
This report follows up our November 2001 report Life Matters: Management of Deliberate Self-Harm in Young People. That examination compared the care given in hospital emergency departments and community health services with medical guidelines.
What the examination found... Overall, the Department of Health (DoH) has made limited progress in addressing our recommendations:
To download the full report from The Office of the Auditor General of Western Australia go to:
http://www.audit.wa.gov.au/reports/report2005_08.html
by DAWN GIBSON
In The West Australian, 22 October 2005
Article begins: "Medical treatment of suicidal young people has improved little over the past four years..."
The article is based on a report by the The Office of the Auditor General of Western Australia:
FOLLOW-UP PERFORMANCE EXAMINATION
Life Matters: Management of Deliberate Self- Harm in Young People
This report follows up our November 2001 report Life Matters: Management of Deliberate Self-Harm in Young People. That examination compared the care given in hospital emergency departments and community health services with medical guidelines.
What the examination found... Overall, the Department of Health (DoH) has made limited progress in addressing our recommendations:
To download the full report from The Office of the Auditor General of Western Australia go to:
http://www.audit.wa.gov.au/reports/report2005_08.html
21 October 2005
Suicidality, interpersonal trauma and cultural diversity: a review of the literature
Sarah Stewart, Education Centre Against Violence, NSW Health, Sydney, Australia
In: Australian e-Journal for the Advancement of Mental Health (AeJAMH), Volume 4, Issue 2, 2005
There are substantial bodies of literature focusing on suicide and interpersonal trauma, and on suicide across cultures. There is also a growing body of knowledge relating to interpersonal trauma across cultures. However, there is a marked gap in the literature that brings these three areas together. Studies that specifically investigate the prevalence of suicidality in relation to experiences of domestic violence, sexual assault and childhood abuse in a cross-cultural context are indeed scant. Moreover, inconsistencies in data collection and reporting and considerable variability in results among the few existing studies highlight substantial methodological limitations and definitional differences in the research. The identification of at-risk groups is thus hampered, as is an examination of possible risk and protective factors. What is clear is that interpersonal trauma and suicide are linked in significant and complex ways. What is less evident is how culture mediates this inter-relationship. It is suggested that gender and cultural biases in suicide research may well account for our limited understandings in this area. Implications for practice include the need for alternative research perspectives and more inclusive frameworks that promote greater cross-discipline dialogue and intersectoral collaboration. There is thus ample scope for further research in this area so as to elucidate the implications for suicide prevention, intervention and postvention1 work with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Contact: Sarah Stewart
Sarah_Stewart@wsahs.nsw.gov.au
View the article at: www.auseinet.com/journal/vol4iss2/stewart.pdf
Sarah Stewart, Education Centre Against Violence, NSW Health, Sydney, Australia
In: Australian e-Journal for the Advancement of Mental Health (AeJAMH), Volume 4, Issue 2, 2005
There are substantial bodies of literature focusing on suicide and interpersonal trauma, and on suicide across cultures. There is also a growing body of knowledge relating to interpersonal trauma across cultures. However, there is a marked gap in the literature that brings these three areas together. Studies that specifically investigate the prevalence of suicidality in relation to experiences of domestic violence, sexual assault and childhood abuse in a cross-cultural context are indeed scant. Moreover, inconsistencies in data collection and reporting and considerable variability in results among the few existing studies highlight substantial methodological limitations and definitional differences in the research. The identification of at-risk groups is thus hampered, as is an examination of possible risk and protective factors. What is clear is that interpersonal trauma and suicide are linked in significant and complex ways. What is less evident is how culture mediates this inter-relationship. It is suggested that gender and cultural biases in suicide research may well account for our limited understandings in this area. Implications for practice include the need for alternative research perspectives and more inclusive frameworks that promote greater cross-discipline dialogue and intersectoral collaboration. There is thus ample scope for further research in this area so as to elucidate the implications for suicide prevention, intervention and postvention1 work with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Contact: Sarah Stewart
Sarah_Stewart@wsahs.nsw.gov.au
View the article at: www.auseinet.com/journal/vol4iss2/stewart.pdf
Internet Suicide Pact
Article in: Daily Telegraph, 1 October 2005, page 25
Reports on Britain's first internet suicide pact, which has prompted calls for websites promoting suicide to be banned.
In Australia:
the Federal Parliament passed the proposed telecommunication bill to amend the Criminal Code Act, to make it a criminal offence to use the Internet to counsel or incite suicide. The new legislation includes a maximum penalty of $110 000. The act states that is an offence to use a carriage service for suicide related material and possessing, controlling, providing, supplying or obtaining suicide related material for use through a carriage service for the purpose of directly or indirectly counselling or inciting someone to complete or attempt suicide. http://parlinfoweb.aph.gov.au/piweb/browse.aspx?NodeID=448
Article in: Daily Telegraph, 1 October 2005, page 25
Reports on Britain's first internet suicide pact, which has prompted calls for websites promoting suicide to be banned.
In Australia:
the Federal Parliament passed the proposed telecommunication bill to amend the Criminal Code Act, to make it a criminal offence to use the Internet to counsel or incite suicide. The new legislation includes a maximum penalty of $110 000. The act states that is an offence to use a carriage service for suicide related material and possessing, controlling, providing, supplying or obtaining suicide related material for use through a carriage service for the purpose of directly or indirectly counselling or inciting someone to complete or attempt suicide. http://parlinfoweb.aph.gov.au/piweb/browse.aspx?NodeID=448
Call for suicide deaths and attempts on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands to be made public.
Article in The Australian, 3 October 2005, page 7
Kate Reynolds, Democrats Aboriginal Affairs spokeswoman has called for the database of suicide deaths and attempts on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands to be made public, to reveal the true extent of suicide in the remote and troubled region.
Also see SA Democrats website:
http://sa.democrats.org.au/html/
20 October 2005
Males and Suicide: Pathways Forward – Weaving Research, Policy and Practice Together
13 & 14 October 2005 Christchurch
New Zealand males have significantly higher rates of completed suicide than New Zealand females. The New Zealand male rate of suicide is three times that of the New Zealand female rate. In 2002, 460 people died by suicide; 350 were male and 110 were female. In 2002, 78 Maori died by Suicide; 59 were Male and 19 were female. High rates of male suicide are not confined to New Zealand but are indicative of trends occurring in other countries around the world.
SPINZ have decided to focus the annual Symposium on ‘Men and Suicide’ as a means of weaving policy, research and practice together and provide a platform for informative discussion and a pathway forward. This Symposium will look at what are important risk and protective factors for males and promising approaches for making a difference. The Symposium will combine examples of research, policy, and practice which span the Prevention / Intervention and Postvention landscape of Suicide Prevention in New Zealand.
Details at:
http://www.spinz.org.nz/page.php?p=29
Top 12 issues threatening our children's health
Research Australia, 10 October 2005
Alarming levels of poorer health within indigenous children and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds tops a new list of 12 major issues threatening the future health of the nation.
Created by Research Australia in consultation with child health experts and using the latest data from the
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the ‘Top 12 Health Issues Facing Australian Children’.
Issue 2. Mental Health – experts are convinced more and more Australian children are suffering poor mental
health with depression, suicide and behavioural disorders on the rise. Children from step, blended or sole
parent families are more than twice as likely to have a mental health problem.
Media release from Research Australia available from their website:
http://www.researchaustralia.com.au/whatsnew.asp?id=142&parent_id=142
Research Australia, 10 October 2005
Alarming levels of poorer health within indigenous children and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds tops a new list of 12 major issues threatening the future health of the nation.
Created by Research Australia in consultation with child health experts and using the latest data from the
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the ‘Top 12 Health Issues Facing Australian Children’.
Issue 2. Mental Health – experts are convinced more and more Australian children are suffering poor mental
health with depression, suicide and behavioural disorders on the rise. Children from step, blended or sole
parent families are more than twice as likely to have a mental health problem.
Media release from Research Australia available from their website:
http://www.researchaustralia.com.au/whatsnew.asp?id=142&parent_id=142
Masculinity a health hazard
By Carol Nader, Health Reporter, The Age, October 12, 2005
TRADITIONAL views about masculinity are damaging men's health and are partly to blame for men suffering significantly poorer health than women, according to Sex Discrimination Commissioner Pru Goward.
Ms Goward will tell a men's health conference [6th National Men’s Health Conference incorporating the 4th National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Male Health Convention, Melbourne, Monday October 10th - Wednesday October 12th 2005] in Melbourne today that the key to the "profound disparity" in health between men and women is masculinity.
Among 15 to 29-year-old males, the risk of accidental death is about four times higher than for women of the same age, suicide is six times higher and violence-related death is 1½ times higher.
Access the article at:
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/masculinity-a-health-hazard/2005/10/11/1128796526563.html
By Carol Nader, Health Reporter, The Age, October 12, 2005
TRADITIONAL views about masculinity are damaging men's health and are partly to blame for men suffering significantly poorer health than women, according to Sex Discrimination Commissioner Pru Goward.
Ms Goward will tell a men's health conference [6th National Men’s Health Conference incorporating the 4th National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Male Health Convention, Melbourne, Monday October 10th - Wednesday October 12th 2005] in Melbourne today that the key to the "profound disparity" in health between men and women is masculinity.
Among 15 to 29-year-old males, the risk of accidental death is about four times higher than for women of the same age, suicide is six times higher and violence-related death is 1½ times higher.
Access the article at:
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/masculinity-a-health-hazard/2005/10/11/1128796526563.html
Men's health expert asks: what's there for blokes to look forward to in retirement?
As a generation of Australian baby boomers slow down in their careers and start planning for the next phase of their non-working lives, a University of Western Sydney men's health researcher asks: What's there for blokes to look forward to in retirement? Mr Anthony Brown, from the UWS Men's Health Information and Resource Centre, specialises in older men's issues, particularly those around retirement. He is presenting papers at the 6th National Men's Health Conference, which is running from 10-12 October in Melbourne. Mr Brown says many blokes dream their retirement years are going to be spent fishing or playing endless rounds of golf, but when the initial holiday feeling wears off, they are left feeling a bit lost and with a sense of having 'nothing to do'.
Mr Brown, who is doing a PhD on men's retirement, said many feel disappointed and frustrated that they were no longer productive or in control of their destinies and suicide rates spiked for men over 60.
To connect to the UWS Latest News website go to:
http://apps.uws.edu.au/media/news/index.phtml?act=view&story_id=1363
As a generation of Australian baby boomers slow down in their careers and start planning for the next phase of their non-working lives, a University of Western Sydney men's health researcher asks: What's there for blokes to look forward to in retirement? Mr Anthony Brown, from the UWS Men's Health Information and Resource Centre, specialises in older men's issues, particularly those around retirement. He is presenting papers at the 6th National Men's Health Conference, which is running from 10-12 October in Melbourne. Mr Brown says many blokes dream their retirement years are going to be spent fishing or playing endless rounds of golf, but when the initial holiday feeling wears off, they are left feeling a bit lost and with a sense of having 'nothing to do'.
Mr Brown, who is doing a PhD on men's retirement, said many feel disappointed and frustrated that they were no longer productive or in control of their destinies and suicide rates spiked for men over 60.
To connect to the UWS Latest News website go to:
http://apps.uws.edu.au/media/news/index.phtml?act=view&story_id=1363
The WA Aboriginal Child Health Survey
Aboriginal children have higher rates of suicide attempts, with 9 per cent of girls and 4.1 per cent of boys attempting suicide in the previous 12 months.
Full report can be found at:
http://www.ichr.uwa.edu.au/waachs/publications/volume_two.lasso
Aboriginal children have higher rates of suicide attempts, with 9 per cent of girls and 4.1 per cent of boys attempting suicide in the previous 12 months.
Full report can be found at:
http://www.ichr.uwa.edu.au/waachs/publications/volume_two.lasso
Understanding deliberate self harm : an enquiry into attempted suicide [Thesis]
Wyder, Marianne, University of Western Sydney, 2004
This study focused on the quantitative and qualitative aspects of suicidal behaviour of 90 people who had come to the attention of the Accident and Emergency Department of Westmead Hospital, Sydney, N.S.W., after an attempt to harm themselves. The risk factors identified in the study were combined with the circumstances and motive of attempt. Participants were regrouped according to whether the problems the respondent described were chronic (longstanding) or acute (pivotal). The participants were further classified according to the persistence of thoughts of self-harm ( impulsive or non-impulsive/deliberate) and the presence or absence of these feelings at the time of the interview (the resolution of the attempt) and the types of problems/situations and triggering events the person described as wanting to escape. By developing strategies and treatments for the problems as they were identified in this study and by raising the awareness that there is help available for these different issues, we may be able to reduce the pain which results in an attempt to self harm.
http://library.uws.edu.au/adt-NUWS/public/adt-NUWS20050831.165416/
Wyder, Marianne, University of Western Sydney, 2004
This study focused on the quantitative and qualitative aspects of suicidal behaviour of 90 people who had come to the attention of the Accident and Emergency Department of Westmead Hospital, Sydney, N.S.W., after an attempt to harm themselves. The risk factors identified in the study were combined with the circumstances and motive of attempt. Participants were regrouped according to whether the problems the respondent described were chronic (longstanding) or acute (pivotal). The participants were further classified according to the persistence of thoughts of self-harm ( impulsive or non-impulsive/deliberate) and the presence or absence of these feelings at the time of the interview (the resolution of the attempt) and the types of problems/situations and triggering events the person described as wanting to escape. By developing strategies and treatments for the problems as they were identified in this study and by raising the awareness that there is help available for these different issues, we may be able to reduce the pain which results in an attempt to self harm.
http://library.uws.edu.au/adt-NUWS/public/adt-NUWS20050831.165416/
19 October 2005
Health Support Psychologist
Providing psychological services from a Division of General Practice through the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care initiative. Program development work and collaboration with GP's 0.6 FTE (22.5 hours per week) with a salary package equivalent to $50-60K pro rata, 12 month renewable contract.
The HealthSupport Psychologist will join a team of five private practitioners in providing brief, evidence-based interventions for GP patients referred under the Access to Psychological Services Project. You will work in cooperation with the existing Mental Health and Suicide Intervention Programs at the Division. The role includes independent clinical work along with program development and promotion tasks. Essential criteria includes registration with the Psychologist Board of WA and a Masters degree in Clinical or Counselling Psychology, or equivalent experience. Applications addressing selection criteria must be received by 9am Wednesday 9th November 2005.
For full details of selection criteria and job description, please email lynn.s@gpcoastal.com.au or phone Lynn on 08 9389 9144.
Providing psychological services from a Division of General Practice through the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care initiative. Program development work and collaboration with GP's 0.6 FTE (22.5 hours per week) with a salary package equivalent to $50-60K pro rata, 12 month renewable contract.
The HealthSupport Psychologist will join a team of five private practitioners in providing brief, evidence-based interventions for GP patients referred under the Access to Psychological Services Project. You will work in cooperation with the existing Mental Health and Suicide Intervention Programs at the Division. The role includes independent clinical work along with program development and promotion tasks. Essential criteria includes registration with the Psychologist Board of WA and a Masters degree in Clinical or Counselling Psychology, or equivalent experience. Applications addressing selection criteria must be received by 9am Wednesday 9th November 2005.
For full details of selection criteria and job description, please email lynn.s@gpcoastal.com.au or phone Lynn on 08 9389 9144.
13 October 2005
Senior Researcher, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention - Griffith University
Salary range: $49,944 - $55,883 per annumMt Gravatt campus
A Senior Researcher is required by the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention to Manage the externally funded Queensland Suicide Register (QSR) project. The Manager is required to maintain the QSR by accessing all sources of information, processing data and liaising with government representatives and members of the public. Experience in statistics, writing research articles, abstracts for conference presentations and progress reports to external funding bodies is essential to the position.The position is offered on a fixed term full time basis for a period of 12 months. For further info please see: www.griffith.edu.au/hrm/employment/
Salary range: $49,944 - $55,883 per annumMt Gravatt campus
A Senior Researcher is required by the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention to Manage the externally funded Queensland Suicide Register (QSR) project. The Manager is required to maintain the QSR by accessing all sources of information, processing data and liaising with government representatives and members of the public. Experience in statistics, writing research articles, abstracts for conference presentations and progress reports to external funding bodies is essential to the position.The position is offered on a fixed term full time basis for a period of 12 months. For further info please see: www.griffith.edu.au/hrm/employment/
Just Published!
Promoting Mental Health: Concepts, Emerging Evidence, Practice
This international book aims to bring to life the mental health dimension of health promotion. It describes the concepts relating to promotion of mental health, the emerging evidence for the effectiveness of interventions, and the public health policy and practice implications.
The evidence provided for the health and nonhealth interventions for mental health benefits is likely to be useful to health policy planners and public health professionals. The emphasis, however, is on the urgent need for a more systematic generation of evidence in the coming years, so that a stronger scientific base for further planning can be developed.
WHO,2005, 308 pages
ISBN 92 4 156294 3
US$ 45.00, Email: publications@who.int
Web site: http://www.who.int/bookorders
Promoting Mental Health: Concepts, Emerging Evidence, Practice
This international book aims to bring to life the mental health dimension of health promotion. It describes the concepts relating to promotion of mental health, the emerging evidence for the effectiveness of interventions, and the public health policy and practice implications.
The evidence provided for the health and nonhealth interventions for mental health benefits is likely to be useful to health policy planners and public health professionals. The emphasis, however, is on the urgent need for a more systematic generation of evidence in the coming years, so that a stronger scientific base for further planning can be developed.
WHO,2005, 308 pages
ISBN 92 4 156294 3
US$ 45.00, Email: publications@who.int
Web site: http://www.who.int/bookorders
07 October 2005
Advance Notice of Request for Tender (RFT) – Suicide Prevention
Auseinet wishes to engage a suitably qualified consultant or team of consultants to undertake a project which involves synthesising and reporting on the outcomes from the 160 local suicide prevention initiatives which were funded under the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS).
Tender documents – which provide details on the project, the tender requirements and selection criteria – will be available online at www.auseinet.com from Saturday 8 October 2005 and the RFT will be advertised in the Weekend Australian on that date.
Tenders must be lodged by 5pm (CST) on Monday, 24 October 2005.
The project is to be completed by April 2006.
Any enquiries can be directed to Ms Jill Knappstein, Auseinet via email jill.knappstein@flinders.edu.au or telephone 08 8201 7670.
Auseinet wishes to engage a suitably qualified consultant or team of consultants to undertake a project which involves synthesising and reporting on the outcomes from the 160 local suicide prevention initiatives which were funded under the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS).
Tender documents – which provide details on the project, the tender requirements and selection criteria – will be available online at www.auseinet.com from Saturday 8 October 2005 and the RFT will be advertised in the Weekend Australian on that date.
Tenders must be lodged by 5pm (CST) on Monday, 24 October 2005.
The project is to be completed by April 2006.
Any enquiries can be directed to Ms Jill Knappstein, Auseinet via email jill.knappstein@flinders.edu.au or telephone 08 8201 7670.
30 September 2005
Suicide Intervention Officer
South Metropolitan Area Health Service,Department of Health
005789
Level 6, $57,642 - $62,816, HSU
WORK TYPE: Permanent - Full Time
LOCATION: Armadale Health Service
JOB DESCRIPTION: Responsible for the assessment and short-term case management of clients within Armadale Mental Health Service catchment area who present with suicidal and/or self harm behaviours and who meet relevant admission criteria. Responsible for facilitating contact with appropriate community support agencies.
South Metropolitan Area Health Service,Department of Health
005789
Level 6, $57,642 - $62,816, HSU
WORK TYPE: Permanent - Full Time
LOCATION: Armadale Health Service
JOB DESCRIPTION: Responsible for the assessment and short-term case management of clients within Armadale Mental Health Service catchment area who present with suicidal and/or self harm behaviours and who meet relevant admission criteria. Responsible for facilitating contact with appropriate community support agencies.
SIEC Alert #59, September 2005
They Might Be Grieving Too: Commonalities of Suicide Grief Experience .
Many lives are touched in profound ways by a suicide death. For every suicide that takes place, there are several family members and friends who are intimately and severely affected. In addition, the mental health professionals who had been treating the deceased also suffer in the wake of the suicide. This edition of SIEC Alert explores this common ground. read more...
They Might Be Grieving Too: Commonalities of Suicide Grief Experience .
Many lives are touched in profound ways by a suicide death. For every suicide that takes place, there are several family members and friends who are intimately and severely affected. In addition, the mental health professionals who had been treating the deceased also suffer in the wake of the suicide. This edition of SIEC Alert explores this common ground. read more...
New program sees drop in suicide rates
This is a transcript from PM.
PM - Friday, 23 September , 2005 18:42:00
A community in Tasmania believes it’s shown that it is possible to turn the tide against suicide in Australian country areas. The town of Kentish is fighting back against an alarmingly high rate of suicide, and winning. The key has been a massive effort to train ordinary members of the community to identify those at risk and have the courage to approach them about this most sensitive of topics.
The program is broadcast around Australia at 5:10pm on Radio National and 6:10pm on ABC Local Radio. You can also listen to the story in REAL AUDIO and WINDOWS MEDIA and MP3 formats.
This is a transcript from PM.
PM - Friday, 23 September , 2005 18:42:00
A community in Tasmania believes it’s shown that it is possible to turn the tide against suicide in Australian country areas. The town of Kentish is fighting back against an alarmingly high rate of suicide, and winning. The key has been a massive effort to train ordinary members of the community to identify those at risk and have the courage to approach them about this most sensitive of topics.
The program is broadcast around Australia at 5:10pm on Radio National and 6:10pm on ABC Local Radio. You can also listen to the story in REAL AUDIO and WINDOWS MEDIA and MP3 formats.
28 September 2005
National Suicide Prevention Strategy Evaluation
The National Suicide Prevention Strategy is currently being evaluated by Urbis Keys Young on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Information about the Evaluation, including how to contribute, is now available from the LIFE: National suicide prevention website at: http://www.livingisforeveryone.com.au/about_nsps.php#info
The National Suicide Prevention Strategy is currently being evaluated by Urbis Keys Young on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Information about the Evaluation, including how to contribute, is now available from the LIFE: National suicide prevention website at: http://www.livingisforeveryone.com.au/about_nsps.php#info
31 August 2005
New tips section on Compi website
Children, young people, parents, other family members and/or friends affected by parental mental health problems can now share a 'tip' with other people in similar situations to their own or with workers in the area. They can share what helped them cope in hard times or tell others about something that has been useful for them or their families.
Go to http://www.copmi.net.au and look for the Tips section. There you will find a link to the tips page and the first tip, kindly provided by Jessica Rowe, a Network 10 newsreader who knows 'first hand' about the impact that mental illness can have on a family.
Workers: Please let young people, parents, families and friends know about the new Tips section and re-visit regularly to check for new tips.
Parents, carers, children and young people: Please share your tip and/or see what others have found to be useful.
Children, young people, parents, other family members and/or friends affected by parental mental health problems can now share a 'tip' with other people in similar situations to their own or with workers in the area. They can share what helped them cope in hard times or tell others about something that has been useful for them or their families.
Go to http://www.copmi.net.au and look for the Tips section. There you will find a link to the tips page and the first tip, kindly provided by Jessica Rowe, a Network 10 newsreader who knows 'first hand' about the impact that mental illness can have on a family.
Workers: Please let young people, parents, families and friends know about the new Tips section and re-visit regularly to check for new tips.
Parents, carers, children and young people: Please share your tip and/or see what others have found to be useful.
24 August 2005
YouthMental Health Foundation
The Department of Health and Ageing is seeking an organisation or consortium of organisations to establish and operate a national Youth Mental Health Foundation over the period 1 December 2005 to June 2009. The foundation will be funded through the National Youth Mental Health Initiative, for which $69 million has been allocated by the Australian Government. The advertisement calling for applications from organisations or consortia to establish and operate the Youth Mental Health Foundation appeared in major newspapers on Saturday 20 August. The RFA (Request For Application) documentation and application forms can be downloaded from the Department's website at the following address:
http://www.health.gov.au/tenders
The Department of Health and Ageing is seeking an organisation or consortium of organisations to establish and operate a national Youth Mental Health Foundation over the period 1 December 2005 to June 2009. The foundation will be funded through the National Youth Mental Health Initiative, for which $69 million has been allocated by the Australian Government. The advertisement calling for applications from organisations or consortia to establish and operate the Youth Mental Health Foundation appeared in major newspapers on Saturday 20 August. The RFA (Request For Application) documentation and application forms can be downloaded from the Department's website at the following address:
http://www.health.gov.au/tenders
19 August 2005
National List of Consenting Practitioners
This national list of medical practitioners will help Australian consumers to access treatment by appropriately qualified medical practitioners for depression, anxiety and related substance-use disorders. This list is not intended to be a complete directory, but has been established as a more formal method of sharing information which already exists. The legal disclaimer on the Website explains individuals' responsibilities regarding the use of this listing.
Practitioners listed have either been recommended as having interest and expertise in the treatment of depression, anxiety and related substance-use disorders, or have self-referred - indicating their interest and all giving their consent to be included. Practitioners may have their details edited or removed on request.
The current list includes details of medical practitioners who have completed either Level 1 or 2 of the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care Initiative (BOIMH) training, which offers mental health education to health practitioners, in particular GPs, to increase their capacity to deliver mental health services more effectively.
Additional health practitioners will be considered in the next development stage. Practitioners may now submit their details on-line to be included on this list.
Consumers and carers may also submit details on-line of any practitioner they would like to recommend. Practitioners will then be contacted to obtain their consent. This new and exciting information tool aims to contribute to mental health reform in Australia and improve access to quality primary mental health care for consumers and carers.
This national list of medical practitioners will help Australian consumers to access treatment by appropriately qualified medical practitioners for depression, anxiety and related substance-use disorders. This list is not intended to be a complete directory, but has been established as a more formal method of sharing information which already exists. The legal disclaimer on the Website explains individuals' responsibilities regarding the use of this listing.
Practitioners listed have either been recommended as having interest and expertise in the treatment of depression, anxiety and related substance-use disorders, or have self-referred - indicating their interest and all giving their consent to be included. Practitioners may have their details edited or removed on request.
The current list includes details of medical practitioners who have completed either Level 1 or 2 of the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care Initiative (BOIMH) training, which offers mental health education to health practitioners, in particular GPs, to increase their capacity to deliver mental health services more effectively.
Additional health practitioners will be considered in the next development stage. Practitioners may now submit their details on-line to be included on this list.
Consumers and carers may also submit details on-line of any practitioner they would like to recommend. Practitioners will then be contacted to obtain their consent. This new and exciting information tool aims to contribute to mental health reform in Australia and improve access to quality primary mental health care for consumers and carers.
26 July 2005
Position Vacant: Auseinet Suicide Prevention Officer
The Project Officer – Suicide Prevention is responsible for developing a resource or set of resources that provide a comprehensive and systematic overview of the learnings derived from projects funded by the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.
This position is full time for a period of six months.
For more information go to:http://www.flinders.edu.au/employment/pdf/05214.pdf
The Project Officer – Suicide Prevention is responsible for developing a resource or set of resources that provide a comprehensive and systematic overview of the learnings derived from projects funded by the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.
This position is full time for a period of six months.
For more information go to:http://www.flinders.edu.au/employment/pdf/05214.pdf
25 July 2005
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION TO BE ESTABLISHED
A new Youth Mental Health Foundation to better assist young Australians who suffer from mental illness is to be established by the Australian Government.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Christopher Pyne, said the foundation would provide a national, coordinated focus on youth mental health and related drug and alcohol problems in Australia.
The foundation will be funded under the $69 million 2005–2006 Promoting Better Mental Health Budget initiative.
“One in four young Australians suffer from mental illness in any one year and three-quarters of all mental health problems begin before the age of 25,” Mr Pyne said.
“When left untreated, mental health problems like depression and anxiety may lead to alcohol and substance abuse, and up to half of young people with these problems directly attribute them to untreated or poorly treated mental health concerns.”
The new foundation would provide a centre of excellence to promote evidence-based practice in youth mental health and related drug and alcohol problems and will foster community awareness of youth mental health issues and promote young people’s help-seeking behaviour.
It would also administer a local grants program to help coordinate services for young people with mental health problems and develop and disseminate evidence-based education and training resources for GPs and other service providers working with young people.
“The Youth Mental Health Foundation will improve access for young people with mental health and drug and alcohol problems to appropriate services and ensure better coordination between services,” Mr Pyne said.
The Department of Health and Ageing will call for expressions of interest from organisations or consortia to establish and operate the new foundation in the coming weeks.
This initiative reflects the Australian Government’s commitment to improving the mental health of young people.
Media contact: Adam Howard 0400 414 833
A new Youth Mental Health Foundation to better assist young Australians who suffer from mental illness is to be established by the Australian Government.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Christopher Pyne, said the foundation would provide a national, coordinated focus on youth mental health and related drug and alcohol problems in Australia.
The foundation will be funded under the $69 million 2005–2006 Promoting Better Mental Health Budget initiative.
“One in four young Australians suffer from mental illness in any one year and three-quarters of all mental health problems begin before the age of 25,” Mr Pyne said.
“When left untreated, mental health problems like depression and anxiety may lead to alcohol and substance abuse, and up to half of young people with these problems directly attribute them to untreated or poorly treated mental health concerns.”
The new foundation would provide a centre of excellence to promote evidence-based practice in youth mental health and related drug and alcohol problems and will foster community awareness of youth mental health issues and promote young people’s help-seeking behaviour.
It would also administer a local grants program to help coordinate services for young people with mental health problems and develop and disseminate evidence-based education and training resources for GPs and other service providers working with young people.
“The Youth Mental Health Foundation will improve access for young people with mental health and drug and alcohol problems to appropriate services and ensure better coordination between services,” Mr Pyne said.
The Department of Health and Ageing will call for expressions of interest from organisations or consortia to establish and operate the new foundation in the coming weeks.
This initiative reflects the Australian Government’s commitment to improving the mental health of young people.
Media contact: Adam Howard 0400 414 833
22 July 2005
Outcome Evaluation of a Public Health Approach to Suicide Prevention in an American Indian Tribal
Nation Philip A May, Patricia Serna, Lance Hurt, Lemyra M DeBruyn.
American Journal of Public Health Washington:Jul 2005. Vol. 95, Iss. 7, p. 1238-1244 (7 pp.)
May et al evaluated the efficacy of 15 years of a public health-oriented suicidal-behavior prevention program among youths living on an American Indian reservation. Data from this community-based approach document a remarkable downward trend--measured by both magnitude and temporal trends in the specifically targeted age cohorts--in suicidal acts.
Nation Philip A May, Patricia Serna, Lance Hurt, Lemyra M DeBruyn.
American Journal of Public Health Washington:Jul 2005. Vol. 95, Iss. 7, p. 1238-1244 (7 pp.)
May et al evaluated the efficacy of 15 years of a public health-oriented suicidal-behavior prevention program among youths living on an American Indian reservation. Data from this community-based approach document a remarkable downward trend--measured by both magnitude and temporal trends in the specifically targeted age cohorts--in suicidal acts.
Suicide Postvention: Dr Frank Campbell.
A collaborative approach to suicide prevention. Lifeline has invited American expert Dr Frank Campbell to Australia to conduct a workshop titled "Sudden and traumatic loss – the aftermath of suicide, the benefits of an active postvention approach" to assist practitioners and those working in the area of suicide prevention. Dr Campbell is the Executive Director of the Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center, the Crisis Center Foundation and is a past president of the American Association of Suicidology. His workshops will focus on a collaborative community approach for suicide bereavement, offering participants the opportunity to discuss strategies to advance active postvention services in Australia, and the necessary partnerships required to ensure its sustainability. For further information and registration go to http://www.lifeline.org.au/pages/frank_campbell.php
A collaborative approach to suicide prevention. Lifeline has invited American expert Dr Frank Campbell to Australia to conduct a workshop titled "Sudden and traumatic loss – the aftermath of suicide, the benefits of an active postvention approach" to assist practitioners and those working in the area of suicide prevention. Dr Campbell is the Executive Director of the Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center, the Crisis Center Foundation and is a past president of the American Association of Suicidology. His workshops will focus on a collaborative community approach for suicide bereavement, offering participants the opportunity to discuss strategies to advance active postvention services in Australia, and the necessary partnerships required to ensure its sustainability. For further information and registration go to http://www.lifeline.org.au/pages/frank_campbell.php
New Directory
There is a new web-based Directory on the DCD website that provides information about initiatives, projects and programs that strengthen communities and families to ultimately keep women and children safe. It was developed as part of the Promoting Strong Children, Strong Families, Strong Communities project.
Please check the Directory at www.promotingstrongcommunities.wa.gov.au or through the DCD website
The Directory is intended to provide information that will be useful to the community. So, please circulate this through your networks.
If you are aware of initiatives that could be listed, please email indigenous@community.wa.gov.au which is the address listed on the directory or complete the form attached and send it in to that address. Similarly if there are corrections or changes please advise that address. The better the coverage and quality of the information, the more useful it will be.
There is a new web-based Directory on the DCD website that provides information about initiatives, projects and programs that strengthen communities and families to ultimately keep women and children safe. It was developed as part of the Promoting Strong Children, Strong Families, Strong Communities project.
Please check the Directory at www.promotingstrongcommunities.wa.gov.au or through the DCD website
The Directory is intended to provide information that will be useful to the community. So, please circulate this through your networks.
If you are aware of initiatives that could be listed, please email indigenous@community.wa.gov.au which is the address listed on the directory or complete the form attached and send it in to that address. Similarly if there are corrections or changes please advise that address. The better the coverage and quality of the information, the more useful it will be.
MENTAL HEALTH WEEK 2005
9th October – 15th October
“Everybody has it. MENTAL HEALTH. How do YOU treat it?”
As usual, WAAMH will coordinate an Events Calendar detailing what is happening around the state. It is important that you let us know what you are doing for your Mental Health Week event so it can be placed in the Calendar and circulated statewide. Event Registrations forms will be available on the website (www.waamh.org.au) or look out for it attached to one of these bulletins.
Something a little bit different this year, there will be an opportunity for you to have your logo placed on the Calendar of Events for 2005. The information on where and when to send you logo will be on the Event Registration form.
9th October – 15th October
“Everybody has it. MENTAL HEALTH. How do YOU treat it?”
As usual, WAAMH will coordinate an Events Calendar detailing what is happening around the state. It is important that you let us know what you are doing for your Mental Health Week event so it can be placed in the Calendar and circulated statewide. Event Registrations forms will be available on the website (www.waamh.org.au) or look out for it attached to one of these bulletins.
Something a little bit different this year, there will be an opportunity for you to have your logo placed on the Calendar of Events for 2005. The information on where and when to send you logo will be on the Event Registration form.
14 July 2005
THE HEALTH REPORT:
Awareness of mental illness among young Australians Monday 11 July, 8.30am, Radio National This week on the Health Report: Increasing the knowledge of mental health issues by young people may help in getting the benefits of early treatment.
Researchers in Melbourne conducted a study to investigate young people's ability to recognise clinical depression and psychosis. They surveyed just over 1,200 young people. Almost half of them were able to identify depression correctly and only a quarter identified psychosis correctly.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/8.30/helthrpt/
Awareness of mental illness among young Australians Monday 11 July, 8.30am, Radio National This week on the Health Report: Increasing the knowledge of mental health issues by young people may help in getting the benefits of early treatment.
Researchers in Melbourne conducted a study to investigate young people's ability to recognise clinical depression and psychosis. They surveyed just over 1,200 young people. Almost half of them were able to identify depression correctly and only a quarter identified psychosis correctly.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/8.30/helthrpt/
08 July 2005
THE HEALTH REPORT
Awareness of mental illness among young Australians
Monday 11 July, 8.30am, Radio National
Increasing the knowledge of mental health issues by young people may help in getting the benefits of early treatment.
Researchers in Melbourne conducted a study to investigate young people's ability to recognise clinical depression and psychosis. They surveyed just over 1,200 young people. Almost half of them were able to identify depression correctly and only a quarter identified psychosis correctly.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/8.30/helthrpt/
SECOND OPINION: Depression
Tuesday 12 July, 6.30pm, ABC TV
The week on Second Opinion, does kinesiology provide an answer for depression? And how can natural hormones help menopausal women? Judy is joined on the panel by Maxine Blackaby, Dr Madeleine Lovell and Dr Jennie Jackson.
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/secondopinion/
Awareness of mental illness among young Australians
Monday 11 July, 8.30am, Radio National
Increasing the knowledge of mental health issues by young people may help in getting the benefits of early treatment.
Researchers in Melbourne conducted a study to investigate young people's ability to recognise clinical depression and psychosis. They surveyed just over 1,200 young people. Almost half of them were able to identify depression correctly and only a quarter identified psychosis correctly.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/8.30/helthrpt/
SECOND OPINION: Depression
Tuesday 12 July, 6.30pm, ABC TV
The week on Second Opinion, does kinesiology provide an answer for depression? And how can natural hormones help menopausal women? Judy is joined on the panel by Maxine Blackaby, Dr Madeleine Lovell and Dr Jennie Jackson.
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/secondopinion/
22 June 2005
School news
A new resource package of ideas has been released for secondary school teachers using the novel "Saving Francesca" by Melina Marchetta (Penguin, 2003) as a class text. The package assists teachers to explore some of the underlying themes relating to parental mental illness within this award-winning book using associated credible Australian resources. The focus of the package is to utilise the themes within "Saving Francesca" to increase student's understanding of mental illness and its effect on families; reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and increase students' 'help seeking' behaviour.
Developed by staff from the national COPMI (Children Of Parents with a Mental Illness) and MindMatters initiatives, with assistance from a wide range of reviewers in the mental health and education sectors, the package is available for download from the COPMI website http://www.copmi.net.au/ (see the Downloads section) and MindMatters website http://cms.curriculum.edu.au/mindmatters/resources/pdf/other_resources/savingfrancesca.pdf
The COPMI and MindMatters initiatives are funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
A new resource package of ideas has been released for secondary school teachers using the novel "Saving Francesca" by Melina Marchetta (Penguin, 2003) as a class text. The package assists teachers to explore some of the underlying themes relating to parental mental illness within this award-winning book using associated credible Australian resources. The focus of the package is to utilise the themes within "Saving Francesca" to increase student's understanding of mental illness and its effect on families; reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and increase students' 'help seeking' behaviour.
Developed by staff from the national COPMI (Children Of Parents with a Mental Illness) and MindMatters initiatives, with assistance from a wide range of reviewers in the mental health and education sectors, the package is available for download from the COPMI website http://www.copmi.net.au/ (see the Downloads section) and MindMatters website http://cms.curriculum.edu.au/mindmatters/resources/pdf/other_resources/savingfrancesca.pdf
The COPMI and MindMatters initiatives are funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
21 June 2005
SIEC Altert #58, June 2005
Media Influences on Suicide
The influence of the media on suicidal behaviour is a topic that has long been discussed in the suicide prevention arena. Media can either help or hinder suicide prevention efforts. This 3-page edition of SIEC Alert addresses the role media plays, both negative and positive, and provides brief information to guide responsible media reporting. A list of resources, including links to full media reporting guidelines available online, are provided. read more...
Media Influences on Suicide
The influence of the media on suicidal behaviour is a topic that has long been discussed in the suicide prevention arena. Media can either help or hinder suicide prevention efforts. This 3-page edition of SIEC Alert addresses the role media plays, both negative and positive, and provides brief information to guide responsible media reporting. A list of resources, including links to full media reporting guidelines available online, are provided. read more...
20 June 2005
Consulting with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities
"Why Didn't You Tell Us? Because You Didn't Ask"
A guide for South Australian Government Agencies on consulting with culturally and linguistically diverse communities which contains information useful to everyone consulting these communities.
"Why Didn't You Tell Us? Because You Didn't Ask"
A guide for South Australian Government Agencies on consulting with culturally and linguistically diverse communities which contains information useful to everyone consulting these communities.
A Plan for Action 2005-2007
Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing A Plan for Action, VicHealth's second mental health promotion plan, has been designed not only to guide VicHealth's work in mental health promotion, but also as a resource for those across a range of sectors who are seeking to maximise opportunities to promote mental health and
well-being in their programs, policies and practices. The plan presents a framework to guide practice which addresses key determinants of mental health and broad strategies for addressing them, along with settings for
action and population groups for whom mental health promotion is a particular priority. Up-to-date evidence on factors influencing mental health and well-being and the benefits of mental health promotion are
also included.
From AICAFMHA News: News In Brief Issue #5.06
Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing A Plan for Action, VicHealth's second mental health promotion plan, has been designed not only to guide VicHealth's work in mental health promotion, but also as a resource for those across a range of sectors who are seeking to maximise opportunities to promote mental health and
well-being in their programs, policies and practices. The plan presents a framework to guide practice which addresses key determinants of mental health and broad strategies for addressing them, along with settings for
action and population groups for whom mental health promotion is a particular priority. Up-to-date evidence on factors influencing mental health and well-being and the benefits of mental health promotion are
also included.
From AICAFMHA News: News In Brief Issue #5.06
The Mental Health of America
(adapted from Ivanhoe Newswire)
Four studies published in the June issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry delve into mental health among Americans, and the results are surprising. The first study, from researchers at Harvard in Boston, found more than 26 percent of adults had symptoms in the previous 12 months that would give them a diagnosis of a mental disorder. Most were classified as serious or moderate. The study was conducted on more than 9,200 adults. A second study looked at the lifetime prevalence of mental illness in the United States. The same
researchers from Harvard found half of American adults had symptoms that would qualify them as having a mental disorder over the course of their lives. Most of the disorders began in childhood or adolescence....
The NCS-R results will yield much-needed information about the burden of disease, medical comorbidity, and global patterns of illness. This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: Archives of General Psychiatry, 2005;62: 617-627; 593-602; 603-613; 629-640 and 590-592
(adapted from Ivanhoe Newswire)
Four studies published in the June issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry delve into mental health among Americans, and the results are surprising. The first study, from researchers at Harvard in Boston, found more than 26 percent of adults had symptoms in the previous 12 months that would give them a diagnosis of a mental disorder. Most were classified as serious or moderate. The study was conducted on more than 9,200 adults. A second study looked at the lifetime prevalence of mental illness in the United States. The same
researchers from Harvard found half of American adults had symptoms that would qualify them as having a mental disorder over the course of their lives. Most of the disorders began in childhood or adolescence....
The NCS-R results will yield much-needed information about the burden of disease, medical comorbidity, and global patterns of illness. This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: Archives of General Psychiatry, 2005;62: 617-627; 593-602; 603-613; 629-640 and 590-592
14 June 2005
LIFE (Living is for Everyone)
Launch of LIFE (Living is for Everyone) website On Wednesday May 11, the
Living is for Everyone (LIFE site) was successfully launched at
Parliament House in Canberra by the Hon Christopher Pyne, Parliamentary
Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing. The LIFE website has
been developed by Auseinet as part of its commitment to facilitating
networks for information exchange and learning under the Australian
Government National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS). The site
includes access to online and print based resources, Australian
statistics, information about suicide prevention projects, resources
related to the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples, conference listings, links to media reports,
and related sites.
To visit the site go to: http://www.livingisforeveryone.com/
Launch of LIFE (Living is for Everyone) website On Wednesday May 11, the
Living is for Everyone (LIFE site) was successfully launched at
Parliament House in Canberra by the Hon Christopher Pyne, Parliamentary
Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing. The LIFE website has
been developed by Auseinet as part of its commitment to facilitating
networks for information exchange and learning under the Australian
Government National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS). The site
includes access to online and print based resources, Australian
statistics, information about suicide prevention projects, resources
related to the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples, conference listings, links to media reports,
and related sites.
To visit the site go to: http://www.livingisforeveryone.com/
10 June 2005
New York State Recommends Use of TeenScreen Mental Health Check-Ups to
Prevent Teen Suicide
NEW YORK, June 8 /PRNewswire/ --
The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) recommends that local communities conduct voluntary teen mental health screenings, and specifically encourages use of the Columbia University TeenScreen Program, as part of the state's suicide prevention efforts. The recommendation is contained in the state's new suicide prevention plan, Saving Lives in New York: Suicide Prevention and Public Health. Each year New York loses over 1,300 lives to suicide.
The TeenScreen Program provides consultation, training, screening tools, software and technical assistance free of charge to schools and communities who want to implement their own voluntary mental health screening programs. In addition to OMH, TeenScreen has been endorsed by the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health and more than 30 national health, education and social service groups. Source: Columbia University
Prevent Teen Suicide
NEW YORK, June 8 /PRNewswire/ --
The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) recommends that local communities conduct voluntary teen mental health screenings, and specifically encourages use of the Columbia University TeenScreen Program, as part of the state's suicide prevention efforts. The recommendation is contained in the state's new suicide prevention plan, Saving Lives in New York: Suicide Prevention and Public Health. Each year New York loses over 1,300 lives to suicide.
The TeenScreen Program provides consultation, training, screening tools, software and technical assistance free of charge to schools and communities who want to implement their own voluntary mental health screening programs. In addition to OMH, TeenScreen has been endorsed by the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health and more than 30 national health, education and social service groups. Source: Columbia University
06 June 2005
Media report
Triple J's HACK program is focusing on mental illness for the week
commencing 6th June 2005. It featured a number of young carers from NSW
and explores the issues relating to families. You can also listen to the
audio from the program. The interview can be downloaded from the website
at http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hack/notes/s1386333.htm. It will be on
the front page for about a week, after which time you can get it from
the Archive file for June.
Triple J's HACK program is focusing on mental illness for the week
commencing 6th June 2005. It featured a number of young carers from NSW
and explores the issues relating to families. You can also listen to the
audio from the program. The interview can be downloaded from the website
at http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hack/notes/s1386333.htm. It will be on
the front page for about a week, after which time you can get it from
the Archive file for June.
03 June 2005
Identifying the student at risk
Adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg is conducting a series of one-day workshops for school staff through the Australian Principals Centre (now part of the Australian Council for Educational Research). Schools are often in the front line in the provision of psychological 'first aid' to a generation of school students whose psychosocial health is said to be well below that of their parents at a similar age, and therefore the series of skills-based workshops is tailored to the needs of school staff who are in pastoral care positions.
(From: ACER e-news - May 05)
Adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg is conducting a series of one-day workshops for school staff through the Australian Principals Centre (now part of the Australian Council for Educational Research). Schools are often in the front line in the provision of psychological 'first aid' to a generation of school students whose psychosocial health is said to be well below that of their parents at a similar age, and therefore the series of skills-based workshops is tailored to the needs of school staff who are in pastoral care positions.
(From: ACER e-news - May 05)
16 May 2005
Medical disorders of suicides in Australia: analysis using a multiple-cause-of-death approach
Lado T. Ruzicka, Ching Y., Choi and Krys Sadkowsky
The impaired health of a person who has committed suicide is often suggested among the proximate causes of suicidal behaviour. The introduction in 1997 of multiple-cause-of-death coding by the Australian Bureau of Statistics provided an opportunity to examine health impairments recorded on the death certificates of suicides. Data for the quinquennium 1997–2001 revealed a high prevalence of mental and behavioural disorders, in particular among women and among young and adolescent suicides. Comparison of multiple causes of death attributed to those who died in accidents with those recorded as suicides revealed that of the chronic and terminal illnesses, HIV and cancer were probably the conditions likely to trigger suicidal action.
Social Science & Medicine Volume 61, Issue 2 , July 2005, Pages 333-341
Lado T. Ruzicka, Ching Y., Choi and Krys Sadkowsky
The impaired health of a person who has committed suicide is often suggested among the proximate causes of suicidal behaviour. The introduction in 1997 of multiple-cause-of-death coding by the Australian Bureau of Statistics provided an opportunity to examine health impairments recorded on the death certificates of suicides. Data for the quinquennium 1997–2001 revealed a high prevalence of mental and behavioural disorders, in particular among women and among young and adolescent suicides. Comparison of multiple causes of death attributed to those who died in accidents with those recorded as suicides revealed that of the chronic and terminal illnesses, HIV and cancer were probably the conditions likely to trigger suicidal action.
Social Science & Medicine Volume 61, Issue 2 , July 2005, Pages 333-341
10 May 2005
Depression Gene May Weaken Mood-Regulating Circuit
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/shortcircuit.cfm
A brain scan study suggests that a suspect gene may increase susceptibility to anxiety and depression by weakening a circuit for processing negative emotion. People with the depression-linked gene variant showed less gray matter and weaker connections in the mood-regulating circuit. How well the circuit was connected accounted for nearly 30 percent of their anxious temperament, researchers at the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) found. Dr. Daniel Weinberger and colleagues report on their brain imaging genetics study in the May 8, 2005 online edition of Nature Neuroscience.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/shortcircuit.cfm
A brain scan study suggests that a suspect gene may increase susceptibility to anxiety and depression by weakening a circuit for processing negative emotion. People with the depression-linked gene variant showed less gray matter and weaker connections in the mood-regulating circuit. How well the circuit was connected accounted for nearly 30 percent of their anxious temperament, researchers at the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) found. Dr. Daniel Weinberger and colleagues report on their brain imaging genetics study in the May 8, 2005 online edition of Nature Neuroscience.
26 April 2005
RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL EVALUATES RISK OF ADOLESCENT SUICIDE SCREENING PROGRAMS
"Our findings can allay concerns about the potential harm of high
school-based suicide screening," state the authors of an article published
in the April 6, 2005, issue of JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical
Association. The authors note that while evidence for the clinical
validity and reliability of school-based screening procedures has recently
emerged, the potential harm of screening for suicide remains unstudied.
The article examines whether asking an adolescent about suicidal ideation
and behavior during a screening program creates immediate or persistent
distress or increases suicidal ideation among high school students
generally or among high-risk students with depression symptoms, substance
use problems, or previous suicide attempts, specifically.
Students from six high schools in the state of New York participating in a
school-based suicide-screening program were assessed between fall 2002 and
spring 2004. Classes within each of the six high schools were randomized
to either an experimental group (N=1,172 students) or a control group
(N=1,170 students). The experimental group received a first screening
survey with a set of questions assessing suicidal ideation and behavior;
the control group received the same first survey but without suicide
questions. Students' transient distress was measured at the beginning and
end of the first survey and again at the beginning of a second survey
administered 2 days after the first. Both groups received the same second
survey, which included suicide questions.
The authors found that
* Experimental and control groups did not differ significantly in their
distress levels immediately after the first survey or 2 days later.
* The experimental group reported no more suicidal ideation after the
survey than the control group.
* Students with depression symptoms reported more distress and suicidal
ideation than other students; however, being exposed to suicide questions
in the first survey did not exacerbate distress or suicidal ideation among
students with depression. On the contrary, among students with depression,
the experimental group had slightly lower distress scores than the control
group.
* Among previous suicide attempters, the experimental group had less
suicidal ideation than the control group.
The authors conclude that "universal screening for mental health problems
and suicide risk should continue to be at the forefront of the national
agenda for youth suicide prevention."
Full reference
Gould MS, Marrocco FA, Kleinman M, et al. 2005. Evaluating iatrogenic risk
of youth suicide screening programs: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA,
The Journal of the American Medical Association 293(13):1635-1643.
"Our findings can allay concerns about the potential harm of high
school-based suicide screening," state the authors of an article published
in the April 6, 2005, issue of JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical
Association. The authors note that while evidence for the clinical
validity and reliability of school-based screening procedures has recently
emerged, the potential harm of screening for suicide remains unstudied.
The article examines whether asking an adolescent about suicidal ideation
and behavior during a screening program creates immediate or persistent
distress or increases suicidal ideation among high school students
generally or among high-risk students with depression symptoms, substance
use problems, or previous suicide attempts, specifically.
Students from six high schools in the state of New York participating in a
school-based suicide-screening program were assessed between fall 2002 and
spring 2004. Classes within each of the six high schools were randomized
to either an experimental group (N=1,172 students) or a control group
(N=1,170 students). The experimental group received a first screening
survey with a set of questions assessing suicidal ideation and behavior;
the control group received the same first survey but without suicide
questions. Students' transient distress was measured at the beginning and
end of the first survey and again at the beginning of a second survey
administered 2 days after the first. Both groups received the same second
survey, which included suicide questions.
The authors found that
* Experimental and control groups did not differ significantly in their
distress levels immediately after the first survey or 2 days later.
* The experimental group reported no more suicidal ideation after the
survey than the control group.
* Students with depression symptoms reported more distress and suicidal
ideation than other students; however, being exposed to suicide questions
in the first survey did not exacerbate distress or suicidal ideation among
students with depression. On the contrary, among students with depression,
the experimental group had slightly lower distress scores than the control
group.
* Among previous suicide attempters, the experimental group had less
suicidal ideation than the control group.
The authors conclude that "universal screening for mental health problems
and suicide risk should continue to be at the forefront of the national
agenda for youth suicide prevention."
Full reference
Gould MS, Marrocco FA, Kleinman M, et al. 2005. Evaluating iatrogenic risk
of youth suicide screening programs: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA,
The Journal of the American Medical Association 293(13):1635-1643.
19 April 2005
Suicide and deliberate self harm in young people
Keith Hawton, Anthony James
Deliberate self harm ranges from behaviours with no suicidal intent (but with the intent to communicate distress or relieve tension) through to suicide. Some 7%-14% of adolescents will self harm at some time in their life, and 20%-45% of older adolescents report having had suicidal thoughts at some time.
13 April 2005
Study: Suicide Query Won't Plant the Idea
CHICAGO (AP) -- Asking teenagers about suicide won't make them more likely to contemplate it, as some parents and school officials fear, a study suggests. In fact, the study found that simply asking troubled students about any suicidal impulses appears to ease their distress and might make some of them less likely to try killing themselves.
For the whole story, click here: http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/8014/414107
CHICAGO (AP) -- Asking teenagers about suicide won't make them more likely to contemplate it, as some parents and school officials fear, a study suggests. In fact, the study found that simply asking troubled students about any suicidal impulses appears to ease their distress and might make some of them less likely to try killing themselves.
For the whole story, click here: http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/8014/414107
24 March 2005
The Hiddden Army
Reporter: Quentin McDermott
Broadcast: 28/03/2005
Next on Four Corners, a close-up look at what could be the toughest job in Australia – it’s hard work, low pay, few holidays, high stress... and it’s all done for love. It’s the job of caring.
Nearly 500,000 of these people are so-called primary carers. They cannot get a "proper" job because they are on call nearly every minute of every day. They want to look after their loved ones at home for as long as possible. But it’s a relentless struggle to get the help they need. Eventually, many surrender, placing family members in nursing homes or other types of formal care. These are Australia’s hidden army of carers. By some estimates their dedication saves the economy about $20 billion a year. Most primary carers report getting by on less than $200 a week.
Four Corners looks into the world of the carer – the fear and insecurity, the frustrations, failures and rewards - through four stories of love and devotion
Reporter: Quentin McDermott
Broadcast: 28/03/2005
Next on Four Corners, a close-up look at what could be the toughest job in Australia – it’s hard work, low pay, few holidays, high stress... and it’s all done for love. It’s the job of caring.
Nearly 500,000 of these people are so-called primary carers. They cannot get a "proper" job because they are on call nearly every minute of every day. They want to look after their loved ones at home for as long as possible. But it’s a relentless struggle to get the help they need. Eventually, many surrender, placing family members in nursing homes or other types of formal care. These are Australia’s hidden army of carers. By some estimates their dedication saves the economy about $20 billion a year. Most primary carers report getting by on less than $200 a week.
Four Corners looks into the world of the carer – the fear and insecurity, the frustrations, failures and rewards - through four stories of love and devotion
18 March 2005
Something on my Mind is a brand new Streetwize comic, aimed at young people whose parents or carers are experiencing mental illness. Developed by a group of young people in a series of comic workshops, this resource explores the impact mental illness can have on family life through Mia's, Jonno's and Miriam's stories. The comic encourages young people and families to seek help and support.
It was distributed in NSW only, and was sent to high schools, among other places.
For a sample copy, please email Alis Middleton alis@streetwize.com.au
Streetwize Communications www.streetwize.com.au
Messing with heads Date
Published: Monday, 7th March 2005
Source: ABC - Four Corners
Full story: online here
A whole generation of Australians has grown up believing that smoking pot is a harmless pastime. They need to think again. The view of cannabis as a benign drug is under challenge – not from conservative family or religious groups but from the science and medical community. Clinicians now believe that modern strains of super-strength cannabis are increasingly triggering psychoses, depression and anxiety disorders in teenagers. Many young people begin smoking cannabis before they have even hit their teens – and experts are warning that the younger the smoker, the greater the risk of mental illness.Transcript contains links to interviews with Dr Andrew Campbell (Sydney psychiatrist), Professor Wayne Hall (Director of Policy and Ethics, Institute for Molecular Bio-Science, Queensland University) and Professor Pat McGorry (Director of the Orygen Youth Health).
(From Auseinet alert service - 17/3/2005)
Published: Monday, 7th March 2005
Source: ABC - Four Corners
Full story: online here
A whole generation of Australians has grown up believing that smoking pot is a harmless pastime. They need to think again. The view of cannabis as a benign drug is under challenge – not from conservative family or religious groups but from the science and medical community. Clinicians now believe that modern strains of super-strength cannabis are increasingly triggering psychoses, depression and anxiety disorders in teenagers. Many young people begin smoking cannabis before they have even hit their teens – and experts are warning that the younger the smoker, the greater the risk of mental illness.Transcript contains links to interviews with Dr Andrew Campbell (Sydney psychiatrist), Professor Wayne Hall (Director of Policy and Ethics, Institute for Molecular Bio-Science, Queensland University) and Professor Pat McGorry (Director of the Orygen Youth Health).
(From Auseinet alert service - 17/3/2005)
8th NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH CONFERENCE
The 8th National Rural Health Conference has just finished in Alice Springs. More than 800 delegates discussed, debated and explored issues connected with rural health. ABC Rural's news reports and papers from the conference are published at http://abc.net.au/rural/events/ruralhealth/
The 8th National Rural Health Conference has just finished in Alice Springs. More than 800 delegates discussed, debated and explored issues connected with rural health. ABC Rural's news reports and papers from the conference are published at http://abc.net.au/rural/events/ruralhealth/
OCKHAM'S RAZOR:
Out of sight, out of mind
Sunday 20 March, 8.45am, Radio National
Former Liberal Senator now at the University of Wollongong, Professor Chris Puplick, reports on the shocking and tragic case of Cornelia Rau, which has highlighted the widespread nature and extent of mental illness, and the unsatisfactory and inadequately resourced treatment options. This is the everyday fate of thousands of our fellow Australians who suffer some form of mental illness - instead of being treated, they are imprisoned.
04 March 2005
HEALTH REPORT
The placebo effect
Monday 7 March, 8.30am, Radio National
This week a special feature on the placebo effect, focusing on one of the most controversial treatments around - medication for depression. Professor Helen Mayberg from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, has done research in this area. She did brain scans of people taking an active drug versus a placebo to see the placebo effect in action. And Professor Arthur Barsky from Harvard Medical School talks about nocebos. A nocebo is the flipside of the placebo and can actually bring harm. (This a repeat of a program originally broadcast on April 12, 2004.)
The placebo effect
Monday 7 March, 8.30am, Radio National
This week a special feature on the placebo effect, focusing on one of the most controversial treatments around - medication for depression. Professor Helen Mayberg from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, has done research in this area. She did brain scans of people taking an active drug versus a placebo to see the placebo effect in action. And Professor Arthur Barsky from Harvard Medical School talks about nocebos. A nocebo is the flipside of the placebo and can actually bring harm. (This a repeat of a program originally broadcast on April 12, 2004.)
25 February 2005
Mental Health Services in Australia 2002-03
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Mental Health Services in Australia 2002-03 describes the characteristics and activity of Australia's mental health services including ambulatory and residential mental health-related care provided by hospitals, community-based services, general practitioners, private psychiatrists and some disability support services. Information on the broad trends in mental health care is presented in an easy-to-use summary. Detailed statistics show the hospital care of patients admitted with a mental health-related diagnosis, the services, beds, staffing and expenditure in psychiatric hospitals and community-based services, and mental health-related medications prescribed by general practitioners and private psychiatrists. A special theme chapter has been included which presents an overview of the available data on the mental health care of people with schizophrenia.
Click to review the media release and report.
AIHW Catalogue No. HSE-35; Available from CanPrint (ph: 1300 889 873); $34.00
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Mental Health Services in Australia 2002-03 describes the characteristics and activity of Australia's mental health services including ambulatory and residential mental health-related care provided by hospitals, community-based services, general practitioners, private psychiatrists and some disability support services. Information on the broad trends in mental health care is presented in an easy-to-use summary. Detailed statistics show the hospital care of patients admitted with a mental health-related diagnosis, the services, beds, staffing and expenditure in psychiatric hospitals and community-based services, and mental health-related medications prescribed by general practitioners and private psychiatrists. A special theme chapter has been included which presents an overview of the available data on the mental health care of people with schizophrenia.
Click to review the media release and report.
AIHW Catalogue No. HSE-35; Available from CanPrint (ph: 1300 889 873); $34.00
23 February 2005
SIEC Alert #57, January 2005
Suicide Prevention and the Internet
In the last decade, the Internet has experienced a phenomenal growth as technology costs continue to fall and more and more people have mainstream access to the network. Statistics show that the Internet represents an increasingly important medium, especially among adolescents and young adults who use it as a source of information and communication. A recent
study by Statistics Canada (2001) showed that 90% of 15-19 year old teenagers had used the Internet in 2000, compared to 53% for the overall population. Since the younger age group is characterized by high suicide rates, it would be wise for the suicide prevention community to capitalize on new Internet-based prevention opportunities while anticipating potential new challenges.
A guide for using the Internet for Suicide Prevention is available at http://www.mcsp.org.au/docs/guide_full.pdf
Suicide Prevention and the Internet
In the last decade, the Internet has experienced a phenomenal growth as technology costs continue to fall and more and more people have mainstream access to the network. Statistics show that the Internet represents an increasingly important medium, especially among adolescents and young adults who use it as a source of information and communication. A recent
study by Statistics Canada (2001) showed that 90% of 15-19 year old teenagers had used the Internet in 2000, compared to 53% for the overall population. Since the younger age group is characterized by high suicide rates, it would be wise for the suicide prevention community to capitalize on new Internet-based prevention opportunities while anticipating potential new challenges.
A guide for using the Internet for Suicide Prevention is available at http://www.mcsp.org.au/docs/guide_full.pdf
17 February 2005
BMJ
This week in the BMJ
--------------------------------------------
Explaining suicide
http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/reprint/330/7484/0-g?eaf
Suicide: age and deprivation matter in Scotland
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/330/7484/0?etoc
Suicide: intelligence matters in Sweden
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/330/7484/0-a?etoc
Suicide: nationality matters in Estonia
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/330/7484/0-b?etoc
This week in the BMJ
--------------------------------------------
Explaining suicide
http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/reprint/330/7484/0-g?eaf
Suicide: age and deprivation matter in Scotland
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/330/7484/0?etoc
Suicide: intelligence matters in Sweden
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/330/7484/0-a?etoc
Suicide: nationality matters in Estonia
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/330/7484/0-b?etoc
14 February 2005
Suicide Rates Have Decreased With Increased Use of SSRIs, New-Generation Non-SSRIs
Laurie Barclay, MD
Suicide rates have dropped in association with increased use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and new-generation non-SSRIs, according to the results of an analysis of a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national vital statistics study published in the February issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry. However, the investigators acknowledge that this type of data cannot demonstrate causal relationships.
Medscape Medical News 2005. © 2005 Medscape
Laurie Barclay, MD
Suicide rates have dropped in association with increased use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and new-generation non-SSRIs, according to the results of an analysis of a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national vital statistics study published in the February issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry. However, the investigators acknowledge that this type of data cannot demonstrate causal relationships.
Medscape Medical News 2005. © 2005 Medscape
11 February 2005
WA Eating Disorders Alliance
invites you to an
invites you to an
Eating Disorders Forum
Panel of Speakers: Representing treatment and supportservices for people with eating disorders and theircarers/families.
Phone-In Results: Hear the concerns and issues of peoplecalling the recent eating disorders
Workgroups: Be involved and tell us what's needed in WA forpeople with eating disorders and their carers/families.
VENUE: Labouchere Road, South Perth
DATE: Tuesday 1st March 2005
TIME: 1.00pm to 4.45pm
COST: FREE
Perth Zoo Function Centre
(however places are limited - so please book quickly)
Refreshments & Afternoon Tea provided - please RSVP by 23/2/05 to Belinda
on 9444 5922 or email: belinda.tan@carerswa.asn.au
24 January 2005
Taking Young People Seriously - handbooks
The Office for Youth in partnership with the Youth Affairs Council ofVictoria is pleased to introduce Taking Young People Seriously , a series of three practical handbooks to increase young people's participation in their communities:
- Consulting Young People about their Ideas and Opinions - a handbook for organisations working with young people
- Young People on Boards and Committees - a handbook for organisations working with young people
- Creating Change in your Community - a handbook for young people.
Free hard copies of the handbooks are available by calling InformationVictoria on 1300 366 356 or by downloading a copy of the publications form www.youth.vic.gov.au OR www.yacvic.org.au
21 January 2005
AeJAMH, Volume 3, Issue 3 is now online and available at: http://www.auseinet.com/journal/.
The table of contents for this issue is:
- Editorial: On social justice (Graham Martin, Editor in Chief)
- Guest Editorial. Engagement of Indigenous clients in mental health services: What role do cultural differences play? (Tracy Westerman)
- Guest Editorial. Commonality, difference and confusion: Changing constructions of Indigenous mental health (Ernest Hunter)
- Guest Editorial. Moving beyond a ‘Seasonal Work Syndrome’ in mental health: Service responsibilities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations (Tom Brideson)
- ‘That’s just the way he is’: Some implications of Aboriginal mental health beliefs (David Vicary and Tracy Westerman)
- Indigenous maps of subjectivity and attacks on linking: Forced separation and its psychiatric sequelae in Australia’s Stolen Generation (Leon Petchkovsky, Craig San Roque, Rachel Napaljarri Jurra and Sally Butler)
- The struggle for systematic ‘adulthood’ for Aboriginal mental health in the mainstream: The Djirruwang Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Program (Tom Brideson and Len Kanowski)
- Australian Aboriginal suicide: The need for an Aboriginal suicidology? (Terri Elliott-Farrelly)
The table of contents for this issue is:
- Editorial: On social justice (Graham Martin, Editor in Chief)
- Guest Editorial. Engagement of Indigenous clients in mental health services: What role do cultural differences play? (Tracy Westerman)
- Guest Editorial. Commonality, difference and confusion: Changing constructions of Indigenous mental health (Ernest Hunter)
- Guest Editorial. Moving beyond a ‘Seasonal Work Syndrome’ in mental health: Service responsibilities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations (Tom Brideson)
- ‘That’s just the way he is’: Some implications of Aboriginal mental health beliefs (David Vicary and Tracy Westerman)
- Indigenous maps of subjectivity and attacks on linking: Forced separation and its psychiatric sequelae in Australia’s Stolen Generation (Leon Petchkovsky, Craig San Roque, Rachel Napaljarri Jurra and Sally Butler)
- The struggle for systematic ‘adulthood’ for Aboriginal mental health in the mainstream: The Djirruwang Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Program (Tom Brideson and Len Kanowski)
- Australian Aboriginal suicide: The need for an Aboriginal suicidology? (Terri Elliott-Farrelly)
WA Association for Mental Health (WAAMH) in conjunction with the WRAP Team and Ruah Inreach presents…
Community Visions for Recovery
Light refreshments will be provided.
RSVP by Friday 28 January 2005 to WAAMH on:
Tel: (08) 9420 7277
Fax: (08) 9420 7280
Email: waamh@waamh.org.au
Community Visions for Recovery
- Find out feedback from the WRAP trials
- Find out about successful Auseinet funding applications:
Ruah Inreach
WAAMH
Participate in a Consultation – “Recovery Alliance - the way forward and
Details?
Date: Tuesday 1 February 2005
Time: 1pm (for a 1.30pm start) – 3.30pm
Venue: Conference Room 7, City West Lotteries House
2 Delhi Street, West Perth, Western Australia
Light refreshments will be provided.
RSVP by Friday 28 January 2005 to WAAMH on:
Tel: (08) 9420 7277
Fax: (08) 9420 7280
Email: waamh@waamh.org.au
Low intelligence test scores in 18 year old men and risk of suicide: cohort study
Gunnell, D., Magnusson, P K E., Rasmussen, F.
The study sought to examine the association between intelligence test scores in men, measured at age 18, and subsequent suicide. During the study 2811 suicides occurred during follow up. The risk of suicide was two to three times higher in those with lowest compared with the highest test scores. The strongest associations were seen with the logic test: for each unit increase in test score the risk of suicide decreased by 12% (95% confidence interval 10% to 14%). Associations were only slightly attenuated when we controlled for parents' socioeconomic position. Greatest risks were seen among poorly performing offspring of well educated parents.
The study concluded that performance in intelligence tests is strongly related to subsequent risk of suicide in men. This may be due to the importance of cognitive ability in either the aetiology of serious mental disorder or an individual's capacity to solve problems while going through an acute life crisis or suffering from mental illness.
BMJ 2005;330:167 (22 January), doi:10.1136/bmj.38310.473565.8F (published 22 December 2004)
Gunnell, D., Magnusson, P K E., Rasmussen, F.
The study sought to examine the association between intelligence test scores in men, measured at age 18, and subsequent suicide. During the study 2811 suicides occurred during follow up. The risk of suicide was two to three times higher in those with lowest compared with the highest test scores. The strongest associations were seen with the logic test: for each unit increase in test score the risk of suicide decreased by 12% (95% confidence interval 10% to 14%). Associations were only slightly attenuated when we controlled for parents' socioeconomic position. Greatest risks were seen among poorly performing offspring of well educated parents.
The study concluded that performance in intelligence tests is strongly related to subsequent risk of suicide in men. This may be due to the importance of cognitive ability in either the aetiology of serious mental disorder or an individual's capacity to solve problems while going through an acute life crisis or suffering from mental illness.
BMJ 2005;330:167 (22 January), doi:10.1136/bmj.38310.473565.8F (published 22 December 2004)
20 January 2005
Memetics and Social Contagion: Two Sides of the Same Coin?
Following a thematic overview of social contagion research, this paper examines the question of whether this established field of social science and the nascent discipline of memetics can be usefully understood as two sides of the same coin. It is suggested that social contagion research, currently lacking a conceptual framework or organising principle, may be characterised as a body of evidence without theory. Conversely, it is suggested that memetics, now over two decades old but yet to be operationalised, may be characterised as a body of theory without evidence. The article concludes by proposing a memetic theory of social contagion, arguing that social contagion research and memetics are indeed two sides of the same social epidemiological coin, and ends with a call for their synthesis into a comprehensive body of theoretically informed research.
Marsden, P. (1998). Memetics and Social Contagion: Two Sides of the Same Coin? Journal of Memetics - Evolutionary Models of Information Transmission,2.
Following a thematic overview of social contagion research, this paper examines the question of whether this established field of social science and the nascent discipline of memetics can be usefully understood as two sides of the same coin. It is suggested that social contagion research, currently lacking a conceptual framework or organising principle, may be characterised as a body of evidence without theory. Conversely, it is suggested that memetics, now over two decades old but yet to be operationalised, may be characterised as a body of theory without evidence. The article concludes by proposing a memetic theory of social contagion, arguing that social contagion research and memetics are indeed two sides of the same social epidemiological coin, and ends with a call for their synthesis into a comprehensive body of theoretically informed research.
Marsden, P. (1998). Memetics and Social Contagion: Two Sides of the Same Coin? Journal of Memetics - Evolutionary Models of Information Transmission,2.
THE EVOLUTION OF DEPRESSION: DOES IT HAVE A ROLE?
(All In The Mind:15/01/2005)
Major and minor depression, even post partum depression - could they serve an important evolutionary function? Is depression a biological pathology or an adaptation, critical to our reproductive success and survival as aspecies? Natasha Mitchell is joined by two evolutionary biologists who argue that our capacity to be depressed has evolved over millennia to help us cope with difficult social circumstances. http://www.abc.net.au/rn/science/mind/stories/s1261369.htm
(All In The Mind:15/01/2005)
Major and minor depression, even post partum depression - could they serve an important evolutionary function? Is depression a biological pathology or an adaptation, critical to our reproductive success and survival as aspecies? Natasha Mitchell is joined by two evolutionary biologists who argue that our capacity to be depressed has evolved over millennia to help us cope with difficult social circumstances. http://www.abc.net.au/rn/science/mind/stories/s1261369.htm
19 January 2005
Cultural differences in conceptual models of depression
Members of ethnic minority groups are less likely than white middle class people to seek professional treatment for depression and other mental health problems. One explanation is that the former conceptualize depressive symptoms as social problems or emotional reactions to situations, while the latter are more apt to view depression as a disease requiring professional treatment. Though considerable evidence supports this hypothesis, it is rarely explored directly through cross-cultural comparisons. The present study compares conceptual models of depressive symptoms in two diverse cultural groups in New York City (USA): 36 South Asian (SA) immigrants and 37 European Americans (EA) were presented with a vignette describing depressive symptoms and participated in a semi-structured interview designed to elicit representational models of the symptoms.
Karasz, A. 2005. Cultural differences in conceptual models of depression. Social Science & Medicine Volume 60, Issue 7 , Pages 1625-1635
Members of ethnic minority groups are less likely than white middle class people to seek professional treatment for depression and other mental health problems. One explanation is that the former conceptualize depressive symptoms as social problems or emotional reactions to situations, while the latter are more apt to view depression as a disease requiring professional treatment. Though considerable evidence supports this hypothesis, it is rarely explored directly through cross-cultural comparisons. The present study compares conceptual models of depressive symptoms in two diverse cultural groups in New York City (USA): 36 South Asian (SA) immigrants and 37 European Americans (EA) were presented with a vignette describing depressive symptoms and participated in a semi-structured interview designed to elicit representational models of the symptoms.
Karasz, A. 2005. Cultural differences in conceptual models of depression. Social Science & Medicine Volume 60, Issue 7 , Pages 1625-1635
17 January 2005
Social and familial risk factors in suicidal behavior.
Maris RW.
The focus of this article is on the presence or absence of external and constraining social facts, as reflected in indicators like divorce rate, marital status, the number of close friends, loss of crucial significant others, or sometimes having no one who cares if the person lives or dies, feelings of shame or intolerable guilt, the belief of sacrificing one's life for a higher cause or another person, and military suicide. This article reviews the history of the sociology of suicide, social isolation, contagion, imitation, suicide clusters, stress, and negative life events.
Psychiatr Clin North Am. 1997 Sep;20(3):519-50.
Maris RW.
The focus of this article is on the presence or absence of external and constraining social facts, as reflected in indicators like divorce rate, marital status, the number of close friends, loss of crucial significant others, or sometimes having no one who cares if the person lives or dies, feelings of shame or intolerable guilt, the belief of sacrificing one's life for a higher cause or another person, and military suicide. This article reviews the history of the sociology of suicide, social isolation, contagion, imitation, suicide clusters, stress, and negative life events.
Psychiatr Clin North Am. 1997 Sep;20(3):519-50.
CLINICAL PSYCHIATRY
Changeability, confidence, common sense and corroboration: comprehensive suicide risk assessment
Mental health clinicians can be guided by a framework in suicide risk assessment and documentation. The assessment of suicide risk can generate a suicide risk rating for which minimum standards of care can be mandated.
Nick O'Connor , Monica Warby, Beverley Raphael and Tony Vassallo. (2004). Changeability, confidence, common sense and corroboration: comprehensive suicide risk assessment. Australasian Psychiatry.
Volume 12 Issue 4 Page 352
Changeability, confidence, common sense and corroboration: comprehensive suicide risk assessment
Mental health clinicians can be guided by a framework in suicide risk assessment and documentation. The assessment of suicide risk can generate a suicide risk rating for which minimum standards of care can be mandated.
Nick O'Connor , Monica Warby, Beverley Raphael and Tony Vassallo. (2004). Changeability, confidence, common sense and corroboration: comprehensive suicide risk assessment. Australasian Psychiatry.
Volume 12 Issue 4 Page 352
12 January 2005
Mental Health Promotion Officer
Directorate: Midwest Murchison region
Org Unit: Population Health
Level: HSU Level 6
Salary: $57,642 - $62,816 per annum
Hours: Full time 76 hours per fortnight
Further Info: Please Contact David Richardson(Manager Primary Health), on:9956 1962
Description: Responsible for planning, coordination, implementation and evaluation of mental health promotion and illness prevention programs
Closing Date: Friday, 28 January 2005
Documentation: Download supporting Documents
Directorate: Midwest Murchison region
Org Unit: Population Health
Level: HSU Level 6
Salary: $57,642 - $62,816 per annum
Hours: Full time 76 hours per fortnight
Further Info: Please Contact David Richardson(Manager Primary Health), on:9956 1962
Description: Responsible for planning, coordination, implementation and evaluation of mental health promotion and illness prevention programs
Closing Date: Friday, 28 January 2005
Documentation: Download supporting Documents