Suicide is not the way out. Don’t be shame to ask for help.
Suicide used to be rare among traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Sadly, it has become a lot more common in recent years. In fact, suicide now occurs more frequently in Aboriginal communities than among non-Indigenous people.
Suicide is more common in the earlier adult years for Aboriginal people, with death rates from suicide among young Aboriginal men being their highest in the 15 to 35 year age group. For women, death rates from suicide are highest in the 15 to 24 year age group.
Some of the risk factors that can contribute to suicide include:
Mental illness;
Family stresses, such as divorce, poverty or death of a loved one;
Unemployment and lack of education or job opportunities;
Prior suicide attempts;
Alcohol and drug abuse; and
Stressful life events.
If someone you know talks about suicide, you should ALWAYS take it seriously. It can be a cry for help. Listen to them and show them you care by taking the time to be with them and help them. Encourage them to seek help from a counsellor or doctor.
If you are having suicidal feelings, don’t keep it to yourself. Talk to a friend or family member, or speak to someone at your local AMS. No matter how big your problem is, it’s never worth taking your own life for.
If you ever feel the need to talk, whatever your problem is, and feel like you’re all alone, there are people you can call who will listen. All these numbers are free calls, right across Australia.
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