School memorials after suicide: helpful or harmful?
SIEC Alert, 54, May 2004
We have had a few enquiries regarding memorials & have reposted this Siec Alert.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people in Canada. School-aged Canadians are affected by the suicide death of a family member, friend, classmate, or peer. Schools have a role in supporting their students. Suicide can not and should not be ignored. After a death by suicide impacts one or more members of their student population, what is the role of the school to support grieving students? Is there a role for memorial activities at school and, if so, what form should that take?
31 January 2006
25 January 2006
Recent developments and current controversies in depression: review article
The Lancet, Volume 367, Issue 9505, 14 January 2006-20 January 2006, Pages 153-167
We cover epidemiology and basic science as well as the treatment of depression in adults in all its forms....
Moral panic about the claim that antidepressant serotonin reuptake inhibitors cause patients to commit suicide and become addicted to their medication may have disconcerted the public and members of the medical profession. We will try to describe the considerable effort that has gone into collecting evidence to enlighten this debate.
Also available online via ScienceDirect
The Lancet, Volume 367, Issue 9505, 14 January 2006-20 January 2006, Pages 153-167
We cover epidemiology and basic science as well as the treatment of depression in adults in all its forms....
Moral panic about the claim that antidepressant serotonin reuptake inhibitors cause patients to commit suicide and become addicted to their medication may have disconcerted the public and members of the medical profession. We will try to describe the considerable effort that has gone into collecting evidence to enlighten this debate.
Also available online via ScienceDirect
STin2 Variant and Family History of Suicide as Significant Predictors of Suicide Completion in Major Depression
article in: Biological Psychiatry, Volume 59, Issue 2, 15 January 2006, Pages 114-120...We aimed to identify predictors of suicide, considering genetic variation at the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene....the STin2 variant remained a significant predictor of suicide in major depression when jointly considered with a family history of suicide....
Also available online through ScienceDirect
Do films about mentally disturbed characters promote ineffective coping in vulnerable youth?
Article in Journal of Adolescence, In Press, Available online 5 January 2006
Suicidal youth tend to doubt the effectiveness of professional mental health treatment. This study examined whether exposure to films about suicidal and mentally disturbed persons supports this lack of belief....The findings suggest that exposure to fictional depictions of characters failing to get help for mental disorders may have long-term effects on depressed and suicidal youth.
Available online via ScienceDirect
Article: The relationship between media reporting of suicide and actual suicide in Australia • in Social Science & Medicine, In Press, Available online 4 January 2006
This study aimed to determine whether media items about suicide were associated with differential increases in actual suicides. Data were available on 4635 suicide-related items appearing in Australian newspapers and on radio and television news and current affairs shows between March 2000 and February 2001....We found that 39% of media items were followed by an increase in male suicides, and 31% by an increase in female suicides....
Full text available through ScienceDirect
This study aimed to determine whether media items about suicide were associated with differential increases in actual suicides. Data were available on 4635 suicide-related items appearing in Australian newspapers and on radio and television news and current affairs shows between March 2000 and February 2001....We found that 39% of media items were followed by an increase in male suicides, and 31% by an increase in female suicides....
Full text available through ScienceDirect
YouthLink Workshop: Understanding and working with young people who self-harm
This workshop is designed to increase participants understanding, skills and confidence in responding to self-harming behaviour in young people.
Workshop aims:
This workshop is designed to increase participants understanding, skills and confidence in responding to self-harming behaviour in young people.
Workshop aims:
- To define differences between self-harming, risk-taking and suicidal behaviour
- To outline factors that contribute to & maintain self-harming behaviours
- To provide a model for understanding the 'cycle of self-harm'
- To provide participants with skills in raising the issue and assessing behaviours in young people
- To introduce ideas about responding to self-harm in ways that are appropriate to work roles and the needs of young people
YouthLink Workshop: Understanding and responding to suicidal behaviour in young people
This workshop is designed for participants to develop knowledge and skills in assessing and responding to young people who may be at risk of suicide.
This workshop is designed for participants to develop knowledge and skills in assessing and responding to young people who may be at risk of suicide.
Workshop aims:
- To provide an increased understanding of suicidal and self harming behaviour in young people
- To assist participants to acquire skills in suicide risk assessment
- To enable participants to develop knowledge of intervention strategies
- To provide participants with information about a range of resources in the community that can assist to manage young people at-risk of suicide
Date: 24th April 2006, from 9am - 4 pm, cost $22. Enrolment is on a first come first serve basis and must include payment with the form. Venue: Health Department of WA, East Perth. For further information phone: 9227 4300
Community Educator
Sydney - North Wesley Mission
We are seeking a skilled & proficient person for our National Suicide Prevention Program which aims to significantly reduce the high rate of suicide.
Please contact Kirsty D’Bias, Senior Operations Coordinator 9874 2111 for an information package. Applications in writing, should be forwarded to Cate Sydes, National Manager LifeForce, Dalmar Child and Family Care, PO Box 2446, 3 Dalmar Place Carlingford NSW 2118
Applications close: Friday 17th February 2006
Advertised on the Seek website
Sydney - North Wesley Mission
We are seeking a skilled & proficient person for our National Suicide Prevention Program which aims to significantly reduce the high rate of suicide.
Please contact Kirsty D’Bias, Senior Operations Coordinator 9874 2111 for an information package. Applications in writing, should be forwarded to Cate Sydes, National Manager LifeForce, Dalmar Child and Family Care, PO Box 2446, 3 Dalmar Place Carlingford NSW 2118
Applications close: Friday 17th February 2006
Advertised on the Seek website
Cultural disconnect behind Maori suicides
Massey News, Massey University, New Zealand, January 2006
Cultural disconnection is a key factor behind the high rates of suicide and attempted suicide among Maori, a Massey University researcher has found. Dr Nicole Coupe focused on Maori suicide prevention for her Doctorate of Philosophy in Maori Studies. In her five-year study, Dr Coupe (Kai Tahu, Te Atiawa, Ngati Toa, Rangitane, Raukawa) looked at the reasons for suicidal behaviour among Maori, whose rate of suicide and suicide attempts far exceeds that of non-Maori.
Statistics for Maori males aged between 15 and 24, for example, showed 34 per cent higher rate of suicide than non-Maori (38.9 per 100,000 compared with 29.2), while for young Maori women, the rate is 142 per cent higher than non-Maori (17.2 per 100,000 compared with 6.6). Dr Coupe interviewed 250 Maori aged between 16 and 50 treated at hospitals in the Auckland, Waitemata and Counties-Manukau districts after suicide attempts, and a control group of 250 Maori selected at random from the same communities.....
Massey News, Massey University, New Zealand, January 2006
Cultural disconnection is a key factor behind the high rates of suicide and attempted suicide among Maori, a Massey University researcher has found. Dr Nicole Coupe focused on Maori suicide prevention for her Doctorate of Philosophy in Maori Studies. In her five-year study, Dr Coupe (Kai Tahu, Te Atiawa, Ngati Toa, Rangitane, Raukawa) looked at the reasons for suicidal behaviour among Maori, whose rate of suicide and suicide attempts far exceeds that of non-Maori.
Statistics for Maori males aged between 15 and 24, for example, showed 34 per cent higher rate of suicide than non-Maori (38.9 per 100,000 compared with 29.2), while for young Maori women, the rate is 142 per cent higher than non-Maori (17.2 per 100,000 compared with 6.6). Dr Coupe interviewed 250 Maori aged between 16 and 50 treated at hospitals in the Auckland, Waitemata and Counties-Manukau districts after suicide attempts, and a control group of 250 Maori selected at random from the same communities.....
23 January 2006
Psychologist or Social Worker or Occupational Therapist
(Early Intervention Project Officer) - Suicide Prevention, District Mental Health Service, Community Health Services, Longreach, Central West Health Service District, Queensland
Duties/Abilities: Promote and facilitate the development of a range of early intervention strategies targeting known high risk groups who are at elevated risk or vulnerable to self-harming and/or suicidal behaviour. Requires advanced knowledge of shared care and collaborative models of mental health service delivery between primary care providers.
Enquiries: Paul Smith (07) 4658 3344 Fax: (07) 4658 32496.
Application Kit: Kathy Moulds (07) 4651 1311 Fax: (07) 4651 2249 or
email: kathy_moulds@health.qld.gov.au (Please specify discipline)
Closing Date: 5.00 p.m. Monday, 6 February 2006
Advertised on Seek
(Early Intervention Project Officer) - Suicide Prevention, District Mental Health Service, Community Health Services, Longreach, Central West Health Service District, Queensland
Duties/Abilities: Promote and facilitate the development of a range of early intervention strategies targeting known high risk groups who are at elevated risk or vulnerable to self-harming and/or suicidal behaviour. Requires advanced knowledge of shared care and collaborative models of mental health service delivery between primary care providers.
Enquiries: Paul Smith (07) 4658 3344 Fax: (07) 4658 32496.
Application Kit: Kathy Moulds (07) 4651 1311 Fax: (07) 4651 2249 or
email: kathy_moulds@health.qld.gov.au (Please specify discipline)
Closing Date: 5.00 p.m. Monday, 6 February 2006
Advertised on Seek
On the tail of the black dog
Article in The Australian, January 21, 2006 by Leigh Dayton
WHEN Geoff Gallop stepped up to the microphone last week and announced he was quitting politics to tackle the "black dog" of depression, he earned sympathy nationwide. Inevitably, he triggered speculation about the cause: job, gender, genes? Experts can point to risk factors for depression - from personality, life history, illness, injury and genetic susceptibility - they can't say for certain what causes depression generally, let alone in someone like the departing WA premier.
That's why geneticist Simon Easteal is delving into the DNA of adults in Canberra and Queanbeyan in the ACT. He wants hard information about which types of which genes put people like Gallop at risk of major depression. He also seeks to untangle the complex knot of nature and nurture: that is, to discover how those genetic variants interact with life events to trigger depressive illness.
Article in The Australian, January 21, 2006 by Leigh Dayton
WHEN Geoff Gallop stepped up to the microphone last week and announced he was quitting politics to tackle the "black dog" of depression, he earned sympathy nationwide. Inevitably, he triggered speculation about the cause: job, gender, genes? Experts can point to risk factors for depression - from personality, life history, illness, injury and genetic susceptibility - they can't say for certain what causes depression generally, let alone in someone like the departing WA premier.
That's why geneticist Simon Easteal is delving into the DNA of adults in Canberra and Queanbeyan in the ACT. He wants hard information about which types of which genes put people like Gallop at risk of major depression. He also seeks to untangle the complex knot of nature and nurture: that is, to discover how those genetic variants interact with life events to trigger depressive illness.
19 January 2006
Seminar: Perspective on Intentional Harm to Self and Others in Indigenous Communities
Wednesday, 15 February 2006
12.30 Light lunch provided - 1.00 pm seminar
Seminar Room 3, Gascoyne House, Graylands Hospital
Professor Ernest Hunter, Professor of Public Health (Mental Health)
Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Queensland, CAIRNS
Professor Hunter is the author of many articles with his areas of expertise on Aboriginal and Torres Strait island mental health and public health witha particular focus on alcohol use and interventions from a public health perspective, and accidents and injuries from intentional harm (to self or others) in Indigenous communities.
Flyer sent out by: State Forensic Mental Health Service. TEL: 9347 6500
17 January 2006
Barkly Region Life Promotion Officer (Based in Tennant Creek) - Part/time
The Program Officer will primarily be responsible for establishing an interagency response to suicide and attempted suicides in the Barkly Region. Ongoing funding for this position is dependent on the program successfully establishing this response function. The position requires an understanding of the issues affecting indigenous communities and an ability to work in collaboration with local organisations, government and the community to respond to suicides and self-harming behaviour. This position will be well supported with training.
$40,182 - $42,477 - 20 hrs/wk - funded until 30 June 2006 (with the possibility of ongoing funding).
To obtain a job description contact MHACA on (08) 8952 3311. Applications must address the selection criteria and include a resume and contact details of three current referees. Send to MHACA, PO Box 2326 Alice Springs, NT 0871 or email mhaca@iinet.net.au
Closing date Friday 3 February 2000
Advertised on CareerOne website
The Program Officer will primarily be responsible for establishing an interagency response to suicide and attempted suicides in the Barkly Region. Ongoing funding for this position is dependent on the program successfully establishing this response function. The position requires an understanding of the issues affecting indigenous communities and an ability to work in collaboration with local organisations, government and the community to respond to suicides and self-harming behaviour. This position will be well supported with training.
$40,182 - $42,477 - 20 hrs/wk - funded until 30 June 2006 (with the possibility of ongoing funding).
To obtain a job description contact MHACA on (08) 8952 3311. Applications must address the selection criteria and include a resume and contact details of three current referees. Send to MHACA, PO Box 2326 Alice Springs, NT 0871 or email mhaca@iinet.net.au
Closing date Friday 3 February 2000
Advertised on CareerOne website
Plans to curb suicide rate in farming families
ABC Rural Country Hour By Genine Unsworth
Thursday, 12/01/2006
The Mental Health Council of Australia says the increase of suicide of young men in rural and remote communities is one of the greatest challenges facing our State and Federal politicians. Council Chair, Keith Wilson met with WA National Party Leader, Brendan Grylls this week to begin work on a mental health strategy for Western Australia's farming community. Mr Wilson says many country MP's are looking for new ways to support country people experiencing remoteness and isolation. "Another factor is the drift to urban areas of young people and the less intense interconnectedness of rural communities as a result of that," he says. "I think all of those pressures are bearing heavily on people living in rural communities in terms of their mental health," Wilson says. "And of course the delivery of services is very meagre," he says.
ABC Rural Country Hour By Genine Unsworth
Thursday, 12/01/2006
The Mental Health Council of Australia says the increase of suicide of young men in rural and remote communities is one of the greatest challenges facing our State and Federal politicians. Council Chair, Keith Wilson met with WA National Party Leader, Brendan Grylls this week to begin work on a mental health strategy for Western Australia's farming community. Mr Wilson says many country MP's are looking for new ways to support country people experiencing remoteness and isolation. "Another factor is the drift to urban areas of young people and the less intense interconnectedness of rural communities as a result of that," he says. "I think all of those pressures are bearing heavily on people living in rural communities in terms of their mental health," Wilson says. "And of course the delivery of services is very meagre," he says.
Antidepressants still the answer despite 'risks'
Article in The Australian, January 16, 2006 by Adam Cresswell
People with moderate to severe depression are still better off taking antidepressant drugs despite "panic" over reports that they can lead some patients to commit suicide.
Report of article from The Lancet: Antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy are the best treatment options for depression, Volume 367, Number 9505, 14 January 2006.
Despite public and professional misgivings, antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are the most effective treatments for moderate to severe depression, state Klaus Ebmeier and colleagues in a Seminar which reviews recent developments and current controversies in depression
Article in The Australian, January 16, 2006 by Adam Cresswell
People with moderate to severe depression are still better off taking antidepressant drugs despite "panic" over reports that they can lead some patients to commit suicide.
Report of article from The Lancet: Antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy are the best treatment options for depression, Volume 367, Number 9505, 14 January 2006.
Despite public and professional misgivings, antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are the most effective treatments for moderate to severe depression, state Klaus Ebmeier and colleagues in a Seminar which reviews recent developments and current controversies in depression
12 January 2006
Business Development Manager, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt Campus
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.
Go to www.griffith.edu.au/hrm/employment/ for further information on the position and selection criteria.
Advertised on: http://jobs.careerone.com.au
Enquiries: 07 3735 4010 or r.dayal@griffith.edu.au
Applications Close: 20 January 2006
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.
Go to www.griffith.edu.au/hrm/employment/ for further information on the position and selection criteria.
Advertised on: http://jobs.careerone.com.au
Enquiries: 07 3735 4010 or r.dayal@griffith.edu.au
Applications Close: 20 January 2006
10 January 2006
BEATING THE BLACK DOG
Ariticle in The Australian, 6 January 2006, page 11
Discusses the suicide of rugby league legend Steve Rogers and comments that " much remains to be done to promote depression as a treatable illness rather than a personal failing of the macho Australian male".
Jacinta Hawgood, director of the Australian Institute of Suicide Research at Griffith University, suggests that for all the work there is no clear idea what strategies to reduce suicides work best. What does seem clear is that the shame and secrecy associated with depression only contributes to the problem, and that more effort is needed to remove stigma that causes people to needlessly die in despair.
Ariticle in The Australian, 6 January 2006, page 11
Discusses the suicide of rugby league legend Steve Rogers and comments that " much remains to be done to promote depression as a treatable illness rather than a personal failing of the macho Australian male".
Jacinta Hawgood, director of the Australian Institute of Suicide Research at Griffith University, suggests that for all the work there is no clear idea what strategies to reduce suicides work best. What does seem clear is that the shame and secrecy associated with depression only contributes to the problem, and that more effort is needed to remove stigma that causes people to needlessly die in despair.
Hefty fines for suicide inquiries
Article in The Canberra Times, 7 January 2006, page 7, by Gillian Lord
It is now an offence to make any electronic inquiries about methods and means of suicide for those considering ending their lives, and anyone doing so in Australia faces heavy fines. The new law has forced Dr Philip Nitschke and his right-to-die organisation, Exit, to move to New Zealand. The federal Crimes Act Amendment (Suicide Related Materials Offences) Bill came into effect yesterday, making it a crime for an Australian citizen to use the telephone, fax, e-mail or Internet to seek, send or discuss information about ending one's life. The fines are up to $110 000 for individuals and $500,000 for organisations. Providing advice over the phone which counsels or incites suicide is now also an offence.
Article in The Canberra Times, 7 January 2006, page 7, by Gillian Lord
It is now an offence to make any electronic inquiries about methods and means of suicide for those considering ending their lives, and anyone doing so in Australia faces heavy fines. The new law has forced Dr Philip Nitschke and his right-to-die organisation, Exit, to move to New Zealand. The federal Crimes Act Amendment (Suicide Related Materials Offences) Bill came into effect yesterday, making it a crime for an Australian citizen to use the telephone, fax, e-mail or Internet to seek, send or discuss information about ending one's life. The fines are up to $110 000 for individuals and $500,000 for organisations. Providing advice over the phone which counsels or incites suicide is now also an offence.
Mother grieves for sons lost to suicide
article in The West Australian, 7 January 2006, page 6, by BEN SPENCER
She wants to help others in her situation, claiming there were not enough mental health services in the Wheatbelt for her sons as they tried to overcome their depression.
Mental Health Council of Australia chairman Keith Wilson said the Squires' story was one that was far too familiar in regional Australia. Health Department statistics from 2003 revealed 46 of 210 suicides in WA were in country areas, with nine of those in the Wheatbelt.
"There is no on-the-ground available care for people and there is no doubt at all that the age group that is most seriously affected by this lack of services is the one these two young men were in," Mr Wilson said.
article in The West Australian, 7 January 2006, page 6, by BEN SPENCER
She wants to help others in her situation, claiming there were not enough mental health services in the Wheatbelt for her sons as they tried to overcome their depression.
Mental Health Council of Australia chairman Keith Wilson said the Squires' story was one that was far too familiar in regional Australia. Health Department statistics from 2003 revealed 46 of 210 suicides in WA were in country areas, with nine of those in the Wheatbelt.
"There is no on-the-ground available care for people and there is no doubt at all that the age group that is most seriously affected by this lack of services is the one these two young men were in," Mr Wilson said.
A Framework for Effective Community-Based Suicide Prevention: Draft for Consultation
Commonwealth of Australia, 2005
This document has been produced as part of the Australian Government’s CommunityLIFE project under the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.
The Framework for effective community-based suicide prevention aims to:
• support communities in developing or enhancing community-based activities for suicide
prevention
• support communities in choosing the most appropriate suicide prevention strategies, based on current, valid and reliable evidence about what is effective and safe
• aid community leaders when working with others in the community to adopt and undertake good-practice suicide prevention activities.
Traditionally, suicide prevention activities have focused on assessment, treatment and crisis interventions. While these remain fundamental components of any suicide prevention effort, this document emphasises the signifi cance of primary prevention and early intervention in suicide and suicidal behaviours.
Commonwealth of Australia, 2005
This document has been produced as part of the Australian Government’s CommunityLIFE project under the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.
The Framework for effective community-based suicide prevention aims to:
• support communities in developing or enhancing community-based activities for suicide
prevention
• support communities in choosing the most appropriate suicide prevention strategies, based on current, valid and reliable evidence about what is effective and safe
• aid community leaders when working with others in the community to adopt and undertake good-practice suicide prevention activities.
Traditionally, suicide prevention activities have focused on assessment, treatment and crisis interventions. While these remain fundamental components of any suicide prevention effort, this document emphasises the signifi cance of primary prevention and early intervention in suicide and suicidal behaviours.
Abortion linked to mental health problems
By The Canberra Times, 9 January 2006, page 11
E xtensive media coverage of a new study linking a higher risk of mental health problems with abortion might be a boon for anti-choice forces campaigning in Australia. It may not be such a boon for thousands of Australian women and girls making what is, for some, a difficult decision. Professor David Fergusson, of the Christchurch School of Medicine, led a team who studied 1265 participants to examine possible links between abortion and mental health for women aged between 15 and 25. The team gathered data on the participants' pregnancy and abortion histories and their experience of mental disorders, depression and suicidal behaviour.
When the various studies are taken into account, there is ample evidence suggesting that abortion has no significant effect or has a positive effect on the mental health of women involved. ... It would be a shame if the Christchurch study was used to restrict women's access to reproductive choices. Rather, it could be used to assist in providing appropriate support to women when they are making reproductive choices.
By The Canberra Times, 9 January 2006, page 11
E xtensive media coverage of a new study linking a higher risk of mental health problems with abortion might be a boon for anti-choice forces campaigning in Australia. It may not be such a boon for thousands of Australian women and girls making what is, for some, a difficult decision. Professor David Fergusson, of the Christchurch School of Medicine, led a team who studied 1265 participants to examine possible links between abortion and mental health for women aged between 15 and 25. The team gathered data on the participants' pregnancy and abortion histories and their experience of mental disorders, depression and suicidal behaviour.
When the various studies are taken into account, there is ample evidence suggesting that abortion has no significant effect or has a positive effect on the mental health of women involved. ... It would be a shame if the Christchurch study was used to restrict women's access to reproductive choices. Rather, it could be used to assist in providing appropriate support to women when they are making reproductive choices.
Sounds of Summer: turning the tide against suicide
This is a transcript from PM by reporter Tim Jeanes, Wednesday, 4 January , 2006. The program is broadcast around Australia at 5:10pm on Radio National and 6:10pm on ABC Local Radio.
A dedicated group of Tasmanians is using a unique approach to tackle the problem. The key has been a massive effort to train ordinary members of the community to identify those at risk of suicide and to have the courage to approach them.
At the heart of this change is the CORES program. Spelt C-O-R-E-S, it stands for Community Response to Eliminating Suicide. Its genesis came in 2001 with community alarm at the unusually high rate of suicide in a country area identified as one of the most socially disadvantaged in Tasmania. A public meeting in Kentish saw the formation of a team of 50 people, which meets monthly to tackle the problem. The end result has seen 150 residents trained to identify potential suicide cases and take action. They're not trained to be counsellors, just to act as a referral point for those at risk to get qualified help.
This is a transcript from PM by reporter Tim Jeanes, Wednesday, 4 January , 2006. The program is broadcast around Australia at 5:10pm on Radio National and 6:10pm on ABC Local Radio.
A dedicated group of Tasmanians is using a unique approach to tackle the problem. The key has been a massive effort to train ordinary members of the community to identify those at risk of suicide and to have the courage to approach them.
At the heart of this change is the CORES program. Spelt C-O-R-E-S, it stands for Community Response to Eliminating Suicide. Its genesis came in 2001 with community alarm at the unusually high rate of suicide in a country area identified as one of the most socially disadvantaged in Tasmania. A public meeting in Kentish saw the formation of a team of 50 people, which meets monthly to tackle the problem. The end result has seen 150 residents trained to identify potential suicide cases and take action. They're not trained to be counsellors, just to act as a referral point for those at risk to get qualified help.
PM to act on mental health
Article in The Australian January 02, 2006 by Samantha Maiden
THE nation's mental health crisis will be tackled under a new partnership between state and federal governments that will boost early intervention, counselling and residential care. John Howard will put a proposal for substantial reform of mental healthcare services to premiers and territory leaders at the Council of Australian Government meeting next month.
The Government is also being urged to consider a radical overhaul of commonwealth and state funding of services for the disabled and the mentally ill.
Article in The Australian January 02, 2006 by Samantha Maiden
THE nation's mental health crisis will be tackled under a new partnership between state and federal governments that will boost early intervention, counselling and residential care. John Howard will put a proposal for substantial reform of mental healthcare services to premiers and territory leaders at the Council of Australian Government meeting next month.
The Government is also being urged to consider a radical overhaul of commonwealth and state funding of services for the disabled and the mentally ill.
Hospital alert on drug suicides
article in: The Australian, January 10, 2006 by Simon Kearney
Public hospital staff are being retrained to recognise a new type of drug-affected suicidal patient in the wake of a sharp increase in the number of suicides in mental health wards. A report into medical mistakes, released yesterday, found that the number of patients in NSW public hospitals who committed suicide while in care doubled from four to eight in the past year.
The NSW Health Department report examined medical mistakes in public hospitals in 2004-05.
article in: The Australian, January 10, 2006 by Simon Kearney
Public hospital staff are being retrained to recognise a new type of drug-affected suicidal patient in the wake of a sharp increase in the number of suicides in mental health wards. A report into medical mistakes, released yesterday, found that the number of patients in NSW public hospitals who committed suicide while in care doubled from four to eight in the past year.
The NSW Health Department report examined medical mistakes in public hospitals in 2004-05.