February 11, 2015
The National Rural Health Alliance released statistics this week which paint a grim picture about suicide rates in rural Australia.
According to the NRHA, which is the peak non-government organisation for rural and remote health:
- The rate of suicide in rural areas is 66 per cent higher than in major cities
- Farmers are twice as likely to die by suicide than the general employed public
- The rate of suicide among young men living outside major cities is twice as high as it is in major cities
- The suicide rate among young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is five times higher than that for young non-Indigenous Australians
The NHRA says the tragic suicide rate in rural areas is in part attributable to the fact that there are fewer GPs and mental health professionals available.
And where help is available, it is not always taken up because of a fear of stigma and “rural stoicism”.
The NHRA has put forward proposals to the Federal Government to address the problem. These include:
- Introducing Medicare rebates for telehealth services delivered by psychologists;
- Continuing mental health first aid training for Rural Financial Counsellors; and
- Speeding up the availability of culturally appropriate online mental health resources specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
“These proposals are cost-effective and practical measures that would make a real difference to the health and well-being of people living in rural and remote Australia,” NRHA CEO Gordon Gregory said.
- If you are experiencing depression or are suicidal, or know someone who is, help is available. Phone Lifeline 13-11-14 or Beyond Blue 1300-224-636.
