The Shadowlands of Suicide

It's a statistic that jumps out and grabs your conscience in a vice-like grip and squeezes...Seven Australians die every day, not from motor vehicle accidents or skin cancer but from suicide. Seven Australians on a daily basis make the grave decision (no pun intended) to end their existence on this earth and carry through with their final act. 180 other Australians attempt to end their lives without success, perhaps failing in that effort but who is to say that they will not be a part of the morbid roll-call of seven tomorrow. And here's another fact - suicide is now the most likely cause of death for men under 44 years of age and for women under 34 years of age in Australia.

This white man is aware that today just happens to be World Suicide Prevention Day and in Australia at least, social and mental health experts are desperately hoping to reduce the social stigma surrounding this deadly issue. The most frustrating aspect of this social issue is the relative lack of support the issue receives from those influential outside of community and mental health sector. It seems that the lack of attention, both real and fiscal paid by governmental departments is staggering when one considers the harsh truth of "the lucky country's" suicide statistics.

For example, Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon informed guests at a World Suicide Prevention Day function in Canberra this week that the Government has committed $127 million for suicide prevention to 2011. An impressive contribution it would seem on paper but this white man has learnt that not one cent of that $127m will go to assist upgrading practical prevention measures at some of the most well-known and utilised suicide "hot-spots" around the country. The Woollahra council in NSW would appreciate the $3 million it needs to more effectively safeguard The Gap, probably Australia's most notorious suicide spot overlooking Sydney Harbour. But chances are they may not receive what they need to provide the necessary preventions that suicide-affected parents, mental health agencies and local councils have been requesting for years. And if eventually some of that funding does trickle through then how long will it have taken and at what cost in the meantime? Remember - seven Australians a day...

This white man knows that one can't hold one's breath when it comes to prompt action from government departments in social areas when it's really needed. Asphyxiation would be a certainty! As I speak permanent suicide barriers are starting to appear on Melbourne's Westgate Bridge, another well-known suicide destination. A coroners report in 2004 recommended that these barriers be erected on the Westgate Bridge. After 2008, temporary barriers began to appear with their permanent replacements only appearing in the last few months. Yes, the wheels of bureacracy move slow - even when it comes to the area of suicide prevention. But at least they are moving I guess - but again, in the time that has elapsed, what has been the human cost? Seven a day...

Well this white man hopes that this latest federal funding effort is real and not just electoral froth and bubble. Because we all just need to remember and consider this reality - the seven occupied bodybags that will wheel through the doors of our nations various Coronial morgues today, tomorrow and the next day remain as a dark testament to one of the most despicably untreated and stigmatised issues in Australia today. Being informed is a start...being pro-active in caring may well be your next challenge.