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