DISTANCE SHOULD NEVER BE A REASON TO STRUGGLE ALONE
Warning: This story contains references to suicide and self-harm.
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine is urging people in regional communities to keep checking in on friends, family and neighbours, as recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows the suicide rate in remote and very remote Australia is almost two-and-a-half times that of major cities.
ACRRM President Doctor Rod Martin says the figures are a reminder of why starting a conversation matters, with people in rural and remote areas facing additional challenges including distance, isolation and more limited access to mental health services.
“Rural people are resilient, but resilience doesn’t mean dealing with everything on your own,” Doctor Martin says.
“Sometimes talking to a mate, family member or colleague can make an enormous difference, and can be the first step towards getting some extra help.”
Doctor Martin says checking in should not only be a one-time or occasional occurrence.
“A phone call, a message or dropping by for a cuppa lets someone know they’re still on your mind,” he says.
If you or anyone you know needs help:
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARN on 13 92 76
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
Headspace on 1800 650 890
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
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