OK guys - so this is a conversation that I am sure that you would prefer NOT to be having............. TRUST ME - I feel the same!
However, as much as we would like NOT to be needing to have this conversation - the sad fact is: that suicide and self-harm is a growing concern in many different countries & cultures around the world.
Now we could have a exhaustive discussion on what this REALLY means............ and everyone of us will probably have a different answer, depending on our background, lifestyle, culture, values and ethics.
I have no intention on getting into that discussion here - because I personally believe that the answer is specific to whomever is reading this blog.
WHAT I do want to do - is give you some concrete help to be able to start a conversation with the person you are feeling concerned about.
Recently my family was personally touched by Suicide. One of my children had 2 friends completed suicide within 3 month period..................(Plus there was also a couple of kids who attempted suicide.)
SAD, DISTRESSING, HEARTBREAKING............ for all the families involved.
Heartbreaking for the friends, people, school community who were left behind................
Agonizing for the parents - watching their children having to come to terms with the outcome of the unfortunate actions of their friends.
So here is some info that could be valuable to you to start a conversation:
Please note ............. these are some idea only, as a way to begin a conversation there are a number of resources available on the web............ please take the time to consider them.
For more information on how to start a conversation regarding suicide. CLICK HERE
I've also put together a Suicide Safety Plan that can be filled in by / and in conjunction with your loved one that is not currently feeling safe. This plan If you or someone close to you is experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings may help get through the tough moments.
Supporting links
Services and supports
Lifeline 24-hour national telephone crisis counselling service and online counselling Telephone: 13 11 14; or www.lifeline.org.au
Kids Helpline Free confidential 24 hour telephone and online counselling for young people between 5 and 18 Telephone: 1800 55 1800; or www.kidshelp.com.au
Suicide Call Back Service 24-hour national telephone counselling service to people 18 years and over and online services Telephone: 1300 659 467; www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Mindhealthconnect Website aggregates mental health resources and content from the leading health organisations www.mindhealthconnect.org.au
beyondblue: National depression initiative 24-hour telephone support and online chat service and links to local services Telephone: 1300 22 4636; www.beyondblue.org.au
e-headspace Online counselling for young people 12-25 years – www.eheadspace.org.au
Useful training
LivingWorks Australia Targeted training for communities, caregivers and professionals - www.livingworks.com.au
Mental Health First Aid Training for those assisting adults, young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Vietnamese communities with mental health problems or in a mental crisis - https://www.mhfa.com.au/cms/
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training Free online training course for Australian residents www.suicideprevention.salvos.org.au/training