By Jeremy Sollars
SUICIDE – it’s one of the most confronting of all topics and there’s no easy way to approach it … but as a community it’s something we can’t ignore.
Today is RUOK? Day in Warwick and across the country, and local supporters of the Southern Downs Suicide Prevention Group were out in force at the Warwick Town Hall to spread the message of hope and help.
Vincent Galea – better known as DJ Vince – shared a personal and deeply emotional story about his son Michael, who 26 years ago tomorrow, at the age of 18, ended his life by jumping off Brisbane’s Gateway Bridge.
“There are usually signs,” Mr Galea told those assembled at the Town Hall.
“Boys in their teens, it can be that they are giving things away – maybe a pushbike, or an old leather jacket , or a pet they’ve had for years.
“They may seem happy and looking and thinking well after a period of being in the dark – this can be a sign their mind is made up and they’re going to do it.
“With girls, it might be that they take tablets at 4pm, mum gets home at 5pm and they are taken to hospital. But then there may be the time they do it without tablets when they know they’re not going to be found.
“These can be some of the signs we need to watch for.”
Suicide Prevention Group volunteer Margaret Trahair has had her own experiences with mental illness through family members and people she has come across in the community and believes the stigma around mental health is still strong.
“I am very concerned for young people in particular,” she told the Free Times.
“I have a great nephew in Bundaberg who has struggled with depression and at one stage I was looking at medication but I decided against it.
“You have to get out and do something constructive – I started volunteering in aged care.
“You have to take your mind off yourself.
“The main thing is to find a good mentor – maybe someone you know who’s been through it, or someone from a group like this.”
There are other hidden factors behind suicide as well as mental illness. One in four problem gamblers, for example, will at some stage attempt to take their own life.
The crucial message of RUOK? is that help is available – you don’t have to deal with these thoughts by yourself.
If you or someone you love shows signs of suicidal thoughts or intent, contact any or all of the following:
Lifeline – 13 11 14.
Beyondblue – beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 22 46 36.
Warwick Hospital – 4660 3901 or visit accident and emergency.
For help with problem gambling call Lifeline on 4699 1610.
To get involved with the Southern Downs Suicide Prevention Group call Johnno Felton on 4661 8679.
