October is mental health awareness month, and new data suggests Australia may not be aware enough.
Australia’s mental health crisis, specifically among young people, may only be getting worse as new research shows shocking statistics.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed in early October that 3214 Australians died by suicide in 2023.
These numbers included 94 young people aged 5-17, a 0.4 per cent rate increase from 2022.
The data suggested Suicide made up 18.5 per cent of child deaths, surpassing land transport accidents as the leading cause of death in 2023.
Overall, suicide is identified as the 16th leading cause of death. Still, these recent ABS findings, specifically data on young Australian suicides, have sparked urgent calls for the government to act.
Suicide Prevention Australia CEO, Nieves Murray stated: “Suicide rates in Australia have not trended downwards at all over the last decade. This needs to be made a priority.”
In September, the government released a draft of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy; a 101-page document outlining ways to prevent suicidal distress.
The strategy is open for public consultation on the Australian government website.
The government also funds various support services for those at risk or affected by suicide. These services include Headspace, Beyond Blue and Lifeline.
However, these organisations are frustrated, stating that drafting a plan is not enough.
Lifeline reported that 71 per cent of suicide prevention organisations have seen an increase in demand over the last 12 months and 80 per cent require additional funding to keep up.
Lifeline and other government-funded organisations say the same thing - they need more staff to accommodate these growing numbers and are calling for volunteers.
More locally focused organisations including Kuringgai Youth Development Service (KYDS) on Sydney’s North Shore also struggle to accommodate the young people in their community.
In response to the ABS findings, KYDS CEO Dr Anthony Rigney asked: “Is the system right?”
He highlighted the need to “incorporate young people’s needs” into a mental health plan as well as the stress resulting from “inconsistent” government funding which makes up around half of the organisation’s budget.
“Each year we worry,” he said.
“We’ve had to make staff reductions on a few occasions”.
Due to the “inconsistent” funding, the organisation largely depends on community funding to provide free services such as counselling, webinars and school workshops.
Community funding incorporates money raised in fundraisers such as the Bobbin Head Cycle Classic and The Lindfield Fun Run. Volunteer work, fundraisers, donations and importantly, word of mouth are also vital to allow services like KYDS to support young people facing mental battles.
“It helps a lot,” Rigney said.
“Community funding allows us to continue to operate and maintain the organisation.”
CEO of Headspace Jason Trethowan emphasised this point, saying: “All of us have a part to play in a whole-of-community approach to addressing the complex and interrelated factors that can contribute to suicide.”
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300 224 636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
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