https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/the-16-warning-signs-of-suicide-and-mental-illness/3896516/ FRANK Cowell will be doing a lot more than unwrapping presents this Christmas. He will be ensuring those in his life struggling with isolation are cared for. Christmas is traditionally a time for family, but many people will be deprived of that for a host of heartbreaking reasons. Whether it be a recent marriage separation or ugly family disputes that have kept them from their families, the Shed Happens convener appreciates the festive season can be a confronting time for many. "Those people who have separated, it takes a year to get an agreed divorce and they go through that whole year wondering what's going to happen," Mr Cowell said. "When it gets to Christmas, that's the family time, and that's when it really hits home.
"They're vulnerable already through the fact they have not been able to make a marriage or relationship work. "When you're in the depths of strife it's very isolating, very lonely - you're like a rock out in the middle of the river." It makes this time of year an important reminder to look after your friends, neighbours and co-workers as they deal with their mental health. Sometimes it can just take a simple question - are you OK? In December 2018 more than 190 people accessed Headspace Mackay, which is above the annual average of 183 for the same month. The use of the service has escalated in recent times. Headspace Mackay recorded 4004 occasions of service in the 2018-19 financial year compared to 2687 in 2017-18. There are two ways this could be interpreted; more people than ever are suffering from mental illness, or ground is finally being made on reducing the stigma of mental health - that is, people are becoming more open about their issues. The latter is what we need to aim for. Mr Cowell showed his support for more awareness of mental illness and suicide at Grapevine Group's Christmas campaign launch. Be Suicide Alert will strive to educate the community on 16 warning signs of suicide and will run for five weeks from December 1. The campaign will involve a social media initiative and an extensive run of television commercials to increase the awareness of the warning signs. Grapevine vice-president Debbie Knight said mental illness and suicide did not just impact those who suffer from it, but also those in the lives of sufferers. "The Christmas time can be a very positive time for many, and it can be a very tough time for others," Ms Knight said. "What can happen at Christmas is people are under more financial pressure, some people can't see their children and it can increase the feeling of loneliness and isolation. "Christmas can really highlight, for people that are bereaved, the effects they've experienced by losing someone to suicide as well." If you need support this Christmas, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14. The 16 suicide warning signs 1. Talking about suicide, death, and/or having no reason to live. 2. Preoccupied with death and dying. 3. Withdrawing from friends and/or social activities. 4. Severe recent loss (especially a relationship). 5. Major changes in behaviour. 6. No interest in hobbies, work, school etc. 7. Unexpectedly making a will or funeral arrangements. 8. Giving away their prized possessions. 9. History of suicidal thoughts or attempts. 10. Takes unnecessary risks and/or impulsive. 11. No interest in their personal appearance. 12. Increases their use of alcohol or drugs. 13. Expresses a sense of hopelessness, 14. Experienced a situation of humiliation or failure. 15. History of violence or hostility. 16. Unwilling or unable to connect with potential support.
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AuthorWith instances of suicide and mental illness increasing at Christmas time, I pitched a series of a page each day for a week covering a variety of mental health issues ArchivesCategories |