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Suicide prevention roadshow to reduce growing suicide statistic

The May 31 Brisbane leg of Healthe Care's "Working with Suicide and Suicidal Ideation" roadshow saw 100 Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Health Professionals gather to discuss suicidal ideation, mental illness, intervention and critical support for people who are suicidal.

The successful event was part of a week-long workshop series across Australia, signalling private sector support for mental health awareness and intervention. It encouraged discussion and collaboration among GPs, public and private health care providers, whilst identifying strategies for Belmont Private Hospital’s services to reach suicidal people, with access to appropriate services and care.

It follows the Federal Government’s $338m funding increase to public mental health funding, announced last month. 

International guest speaker, Author and Psychotherapist Antonia Murphy (UK) discussed the commonalities and myths about suicide, understanding the suicidal person and the importance of psychotherapy in suicide prevention.

Belmont Private Hospital’s specialist Psychiatrists Dr Lyndall White, Dr Thomas Moore, Dr Susy Mathew and Dr Murray Walters also presented on perinatal mental health, older persons' mental health and PTSD. Referral pathways and important links to private and public sector support were also explored.

Antonia has over 25 years’ clinical experience in the UK’s National Health Service. Her published book, Out of this World: Suicide Examined has been hailed ‘the best book available for therapists working with people who are contemplating suicide or those bereaved as a result of it.’

Antonia's research, along with Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data reveals:

  • 1 in 4 people who suicide have been in contact with mental health services – but 3 in 4 have not
  • The number of visits to GPs increases significantly before committing suicide
  • Mental health disorders including major depression, psychotic illnesses and eating disorders are linked to an increased risk of suicide, especially after discharge from hospital or when treatment has been reduced
  • People with alcohol or drug abuse problems have a higher risk of dying by suicide
  • Suicide rates are low for patients in therapy

Are you a health professional interested in upcoming mental health education events?

Belmont Private Hospital regularly hosts RACGP approved education events for health professionals, with points now applied for the RACGP 2017-2019 Triennium.