Counselling Manager

Crisis Support Services Inc (CSS) provides telephone counselling to people in personal crisis. CSS is a not-for-profit, non-government with no religious affiliations counselling service. Our main services include Suicide Helpline Victoria, Mensline Australia, Being Connected and Australia Post Mensline. We provide confidential counselling, support, information and referral services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As a Counselling Manager you would be an integral part of our counselling team. Reporting to the Operations Manager with responsibilities for supervision, coaching, debriefing etc the successful candidate will ensure that our professional counselling services are being delivered to the highest standards.

Candidates must have an understanding and be sensitive to men’s relationship issues and suicide intervention. For further information email hr@crisissupport.org.au Applications should be sent via email as above or forwarded to Carmel Parker, Crisis Support Services, PO Box 2335 Footscray 3011 by the 10th March 2006. Advertised on the Seek website.

When gambling becomes a problem

SIEC Alert Number 61, February 2006

Although suicide attempts among pathological gamblers are more frequent than in the general population, the true incidence of suicide related to gambling may never be known. The Canada Safety Council (2004) estimates the number to exceed 200 a year and suggests that for every one of these suicides, five gamblers may be hospitalized with self-inflicted injuries.

SIEC website: http://www.suicideinfo.ca/csp/go.aspx?tabid=23

Recently Published Journal Articles

The case against no-suicide contracts: The commitment to treatment statement as a practice alternative
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 62 (2): 243-251 FEB 2006

Do SSRIs cause suicide in children? The evidence is underwhelming
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 62 (2): 235-241 FEB 2006

Advances in the assessment of suicide risk
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 62 (2): 185-200 FEB 2006

Suicide in mental health in-patients and within 3 months of discharge. National clinical survey
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 188: 129-134 FEB 2006

Suicide within 12 months of mental health service contact in different age and diagnostic groups. National clinical survey
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 188: 135-142 FEB 2006

Firearms legislation and reductions in firearm-related suicide deaths in New Zealand
AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 40 (3): 253-259 MAR 2006

Suicidal behaviour among primary-care patients with depressive disorders
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE 36 (2): 203-210 FEB 2006

Psychiatric morbidity is related to parental age: a national cohort study
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE 36 (2): 269-276 FEB 2006

The effect of macroeconomic variables on suicide
Article in Psychological Medicine, Vol. 36, No. 2, pgs 181-189, Feb 2006

Many studies have searched for a direct causal relationship between economic hardship and suicide, however, findings have been varied. Macroeconomic trends are significantly associated with suicide. The patterns in males and females are very different, and there are further substantial age-related differences.

Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior

December 2005, Volume 35, No. 6

Latest issue: articles include:

• The usefulness of coroners' data on suicides for providing information relevant to prevention
• Predicting the suicide attempts of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth
• Contributors to suicidal ideation among bipolar patients with and without a history of suicide attempts
• Reported childhood trauma and suicide attempts in schizophrenic patients
• Characteristics of suicide attempters and nonattempters with schizophrenia in a rural community
• Suicide attempts and family history of suicide in three psychiatric populations
• Siblings after suicide - "The forgotten bereaved"
• Examining a model of the relation between religiosity and suicidal ideation in a sample of African American and white college students
• Perceptions concerning college student suicide: Data from four universities

FEMALE SUICIDE RISES BY 25PC IN YEAR
Article in the Dominion Post, 21 February 2006

WOMEN are behaving more like men and a tragic consequence is sharply increasing rates of suicides by females, experts say. The latest available national suicide figures made public yesterday, for 2003, show a 25 per cent increase in female suicides in one year. In 2002, 113 females killed themselves. For the following year that figure had climbed to 141. In total, 515 people died by suicide in 2003 -- up from 465 in 2002.
Men's figures continued to be high, with 374 deaths -- compared with 352 the previous year.

Self-inflicted deaths remain New Zealand's main cause of fatal injuries, eclipsing even the road death toll of 461 in 2003. Maori, especially males, continue to be more at risk than non-Maori. A new measurement tool comparing levels of deprivation with suicide rates suggested those less affluent were more likely to kill themselves.

The figures come as media organisations fight tight legal restrictions on reporting suicides, which are based on the philosophy that silence would lead to fewer suicides.

Waking up to those in despair
article in Hobart Mercury, 18 February 2006, by Mike Bingham

"IT'S lunchtime and 30 people have left their desks at the Hydro's Murray St headquarters, carrying sandwiches and other snacks, and filed into a theatrette to have a 90-minute briefing session about depression and suicide. So far, more than 10 per cent of the 900-member statewide workforce has enrolled in the special program run by Australian Red Cross.

It is called Mental Health First Aid and was introduced a year ago after two employees, both men, killed themselves. ...The Hydro already had a long-established counselling service but the appeal from staff was for detailed information on mental health. The upshot was the Red Cross program, first introduced in Tasmania two years ago. It's a 12-hour course, divided into modules, and there have been several presentations so far in Hobart and Trevallyn and more are planned for other regions...."

Young people’s help-seeking for mental health problems
Debra Rickwood, Frank P. Deane, Coralie J. Wilson, and Joseph Ciarrochi

Australian e-Journal for the Advancement of Mental Health (AeJAMH), Volume 4, Issue 3 (Supplement), 2005

"This paper summarises an ambitious research agenda aiming to uncover the factors that affect help-seeking among young people for mental health problems. The research set out to consider why young people, and particularly young males, do not seek help when they are in psychological distress or suicidal; how professional services be made more accessible and attractive to young people; the factors that inhibit and facilitate help-seeking; and how community gatekeepers can support young people to access services to help with personal and emotional problems. A range of studies was undertaken in New South Wales, Queensland and the ACT, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data from a total of 2721
young people aged 14-24 years were gathered, as well as information from some of the community gatekeepers to young people’s mental health care.

This research program attempted to address some of the gaps in the help-seeking research literature. In particular, it contributes to better understanding of the measurement of help-seeking intentions and behaviour. It proposes a preliminary conceptual framework for understanding help-seeking at the level of the individual. Many of the trends in help-seeking behaviour described in the previous research are confirmed. Evidence regarding some of the barriers and facilitators of help-seeking is provided, along with the implications of these for the development of effective interventions for young people. There remain, however, many research questions to be investigated."

Mental health hit hard by soft drugs
Article in The Australian, February 15, 2006 by Jeremy Roberts

"THE connection between mental illness and the use of cannabis and amphetamines has been exposed by a World Health Organisation report that finds almost 50 per cent of prisoners entering South Australia's penal system had both drug and mental health problems....Of the prisoners interviewed, 117 - or 47 per cent - revealed they had a mental health disorder and a drug problem, with depression the most common illness.
They also reported having suffered anxiety and panic attacks and having harmed themselves. The results lend weight to warnings by government and researchers that the so-called soft drugs, cannabis and amphetamines, are creating havoc in the mental health system, prisons and hospitals.

The study, which completed its first phase in October, was developed at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in conjunction with WHO and is a world-first examination of the link between drug use and mental health of people entering prison. "

RESTRICTIONS ON SUICIDE REPORTING FLAWED, MPS TOLD

Article in the Dominion Post, 11 February 2006, by Haydon Dewes

"MEDIA organisations have urged MPs considering changes to the Coroners Act to relax outdated restrictions on the reporting of suicide. Legislation being considered by Parliament's justice committee to modernise the act retains the restrictions, which are based on the argument that silence would lead to fewer suicides....

The Commonwealth Press Union told the committee that such thinking was flawed. The most recent suicide figures, from 2002, show New Zealand has the highest suicide rate in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development for females aged 15 years to 24 years and the third highest for young men. The CPU's media freedom committee has worked with Government officials to develop protocols on reporting suicide in a restrained manner. "

An overview of Australian Aboriginal suicide

by Terri Elliott-Farrelly

Articles are a component of Doctoral research currently being conducted with the Shoalhaven and Illawara Aboriginal Peoples.

Part One: in Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal v.29, no.1, Jan - Feb 2005: 11-15, 27-28
Explores Australian Aboriginal suicide, detailing suicide rates (epidemiology) and proposed theories of causes (etiology).

Part Two: in Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal v.29, no.1, Jan - Feb 2005: 24-28
Explores approaches to prevention.

Twin Study Links Marijuana Abuse, Suicide,And Depression

Men and women who smoked marijuana before age 17 are 3.5 times as likely to attempt suicide as those who started later. Individuals who are dependent on marijuana have a higher risk than nondependent individuals of experiencing major depressive disorder and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The researchers who discovered these relationships, in a recent NIDA-funded large-scale epidemiological study, say that although the causes are not clear, their findings demonstrate the importance of considering associated mental health issues in the treatment and prevention of marijuana abuse.

Dr. Michael Lynskey and colleagues at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, gathered data from four groups of same-sex twin pairs (508 identical, 493 fraternal; 518 female, 483 male) enrolled in the Australian Twin Registry.

NIDA Notes: Research Findings Vol. 20, No. 2 (August 2005)

A framework for minimising the incidence of self-harm in prison

by Greg Dear, chapter in the book: Corrections criminology / edited by Sean O'Toole and Simon Eyland, pages 151-161, Hawkins Press, 2005.

The rate of suicide and self harm is higher among prisoners than among the general population. This chapter outlines a theoretical framework to guide prison administrators in developing comprehensive self harm prevention programs.

Evidence base to a preventive health assessment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Prepared by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, lead agency of the Chronic Disease Alliance of Non-Government Organisations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health). Prepared for The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, August 2005


The National guide is intended for all health professionals delivering primary health care to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. This includes general practitioners (GPs), Aboriginal health workers, nurses and those specialists with a role in delivering primary health care.

The National guide package consists of the following:
• Recommendations compiled from the review of the Evidence base
• Child and adult preventive health life cycle summaries.

Suicide / Self Harm section pages 127-134

Youth Counsellor, South Metropolitan Area Health Service

Department of Health
$57,642 - $62,816, Permanent - Full Time, Peel Community Mental Health

To develop and provide early intervention mental health programmes for youth 15-25 in the Peel Region. To reduce the prevalence of mental health problems in youth in order to prevent the development of more serious mental health disorders.

SELECTION CRITERIA:
Possession of a relevant tertiary qualification and eligible for membership of appropriate professional association. Demonstrated advanced assessment, counselling and crisis intervention skills, including for people at risk of self-harm or suicidal behaviours. Experience and ability in working with vulnerable youth (15-25).

FOR FURTHER JOB RELATED INFORMATION:
Further information: may be obtained by contacting Richard Bostwick, A/Clinical Coordinator on 9531 8080 or email richard.bostwick@health.wa.gov.au
Application from website: http://www.fhhs.health.wa.gov.au
advertised on http://www.jobs.wa.gov.au
CLOSING DATE: 2006-02-13 4:00 PM

Queensland Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Conference 2006: Sharing learnings from practice and research

The Queensland Government is hosting the inaugural Queensland Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Conference 2006: Sharing learnings from practice and research. This two-day conference will provide delegates with current information and knowledge to effectively work towards the prevention of suicide and self-harm.

Between: 30 Mar 2006 and 31 Mar 2006
Where: The Mercure Hotel, Brisbane, QLD
Contact Email: spconference@communities.qld.gov.au
Contact Phone: 07 3404 3058

National Indigenous Suicide Forum

This forum, planned for March 2006 will be held in Darwin, and SPA wishes to acknowledge the support of the Larrakia people, hosts of this forum. The aim of the forum is to contribute to the development of strategies for advancing the National Indigenous Suicide (ISP) Initiative. The goals of the forum are to:

1. Work collaboratively in developing shared knowledge and experience leading to strategies which are able to be adapted to individual community environments and situations.
2. Identify a range of actions which may be taken by different organisations and groups which are consistent with the ISP Initiative
3. Identify how the effectiveness of initiatives will be monitored and evaluated.

The first steps in planning have begun, but the detailed planning for topics, speakers, format and papers will be developed through a national consultation process with Indigenous communities, services, and agencies as well as any other interested individuals or groups.
If you are interested in, or want to know more about, how you can be involved, Suicide Prevention Australia.

PARENTS `AT FAULT FOR TEEN SUICIDES'
Article in the Dominion Post, 6 February 2006, by Nikki MacDonald

TEENAGERS could be resorting to suicide because an over-protective society and parents have shielded them from life's problems, Wellington's coroner says....He suspected New Zealand's over-protective society -- which had removed failure and competition from childhood experience -- was partly to blame. "Are our attempts these days to protect our children and young people against life's failures and traumatic events having a counter-productive effect in that they are not being inoculated against failure by exposure? New Zealand has one of the worst youth suicide rates in the developed world. The highest rate in 2002 was in people aged 20 to 24.

Suicide risk during antidepressant treatment
Simon GE, Savarino J, Operskalski B, Wang PS
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 163 (1): 41-47 JAN 2006

In March 2004 the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned physicians and patients regarding increased risk of suicide with 10 newer antidepressant drugs. Available data leave considerable uncertainty regarding actual risk of suicide attempt and death by suicide during antidepressant treatment. The authors used population-based data to evaluate the risk of suicide death and serious suicide attempt in relation to initiation of antidepressant treatment....

Conclusions: The risk of suicide during acute-phase antidepressant treatment is approximately one in 3,000 treatment episodes, and risk of serious suicide attempt is approximately one in 1,000. Available data do not indicate a significant increase in risk of suicide or serious suicide attempt after starting treatment with newer antidepressant drugs.

Adolescent risk: The co-occurrence of illness, suicidality, and substance use

Article in : JOURNAL OF YOUTH AND ADOLESCENCE 34 (6): 547-557 DEC 2005

Illness is rarely considered a "risk factor" in adolescence. This study tests illness, suicidality and substance use as outcome measures in a path analysis of 1028 Swiss adolescents in secondary prevention programs. The model showed that negative mood (depression and anxiety) predicted two paths. One path led from negative mood to suicidality and from there to substance use. The other path led directly from negative mood to illness. Traditional protective factors (good relationships, secure identity) protected against the negative mood-suicide-substance path, but not against the negative mood-illness path.

Suicide behaviour in a clinical sample of children and adolescents in New Zealand

Article in : NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY, 34 (3): 164-170 NOV 2005
by: Fortune S, Seymour F, Lambie I

This study aimed to establish the prevalence of suicide ideation and suicidal behaviour in a child and adolescent mental health service and examine if children and adolescents with deliberate self-harm (DSH) were different from those who had not engaged in DSH in terms of individual and family risk factors.

A scoping study of depression among Indigenous peoples
Beyondblue The National Depression Initiative, 2005

"The specific objectives of this scoping study were to identify and collate information relating to: the level and nature of depression among Indigenous peoples; other potential sources of data about the incidence and prevalence of depression; awareness of depression among Indigenous people and their carers – including causes, treatment options, appropriate strategies and types of help available; and innovative programs and projects addressing depression among Indigenous peoples."

Australian Postgraduate Award (Industry): The contribution of youth development programs in preventing youth crime, drug and alcohol misuse and suicide. Griffith University

The Key Centre for Ethics, Law, Justice and Governance is seeking a PhD scholar to work fulltime on this ARC-funded Linkage project, in partnership with Impact: Youth Organisations Reducing Crime, and the Queensland Department of Communities.

The key question for the project is how much youth organisations (e.g., Scouts) promote positive development in at-risk youth and reduce crime and other problems. The effectiveness of youth programs in achieving this goal will be assessed through an audit of organisational activities, interviews and questionnaires with leaders and young people, and observation. The successful applicant will have an Honours 1 or 2A in one of the social sciences, specifically criminology, psychology, sociology, youth studies or related fields.

The scholarship pays a stipend of $25 118 p.a. (indexed annually) for up to three years. The scholarship also provides relocation and thesis allowance. For further information on application procedures please contact the Postgraduate Scholarships Coordinator on (07) 3735 6596 or m.mitchell@griffith.edu.au.
Applications close on 17 February 2006.
www.griffith.edu.au
Advertised on CareerOne website

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?

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

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

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:

• 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

Date: Monday 10th April 2006. Time: 9am - 4 pm. Cost $22. Venue: Health Department, East Perth. Booking are on a first come first serve basis, and need to include payment with the enrolment form. Please contact YouthLink for further information on: 9227 4300

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.

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

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.....

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

Alarm at suicide epidemic
Article in the Herald Sun, 28 December 2005, page 34

TOKYO -- Japan will launch a nationwide study into suicide and internet suicide groups as the Government tries to combat what it describes as an alarming rise in the deaths.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

Males and Suicide: Pathways Forward – Weaving Research, Policy and Practice Together

Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand (SPINZ), 2005 Symposium
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

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

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

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

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/

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.

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/

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

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.