RU OK? DAY

All of us have been touched at one stage by suicide or mental illness. Last night I sat down and thought of all the people I know or have known over the years and reflected on my own experiences of these issues.

Yes many friends, and yes mainly males, in my younger years died by suicide. It always seemed to come as a complete shock. We had just played sport together or been to a Christmas Party, all seemed fine and dandy. To this day I think, "Why didn't I see it coming?"

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reflects that this is still a huge problem. In 2009 22.1% of all male deaths were related to suicide and the overall suicide death rate for males was 77%.

6.2 SUICIDES(a), BY SELECTED AGE GROUPS: 2009(b)

The next crucial time to be on the look out is midlife. As a percentage of the population males in the 40-44 year age bracket have the highest suicide rate and for women just a little later. This too has paralleled my own life experiences. Marriage and family break-ups seemed to have always been intertwined and thankfully awareness led to watchfulness and prevention through professional intervention in many cases.

How does the media cover these issues and what assistance can it provide to help reduce these statistics?


On the 2 August 2011 the Australian Press Council issued new 'Standards Relating to Suicide' which now state, "General reporting and comment on issues relating to suicide can be of substantial public benefit.

For example, it may help to improve public understanding of causes and warning signs, have a

deterrent effect on people contemplating suicide, bring comfort to affected relatives or friends, or

promote further public or private action to prevent suicide."

http://www.presscouncil.org.au/document-search/standard-suicide-reporting/

The Australian Government website 'Mindframe' also offers journalism guidelines and educational resources in relation to suicide and mental illness, stating "...journalists may contribute, consciously or unconsciously, to the way mental health is discussed and debated." The need to emphasis that help is available and where to locate it is paramount in all reporting.

Fact or Fiction, Reporting Mental Illness and Suicide

There are many organisations that can help and if you are worried about a friend, family member or yourself ring them, today is RU OK? day. I have done so before and they have helped me to guide friends in the right direction.

http://sane.org/ 1800 18 SANE

Lifeline 13 11 14

beyondblue 1300 22 4636