A suicide prevention expert says the community plays a vital role in fixing the mental health crisis

The suicide rate in Moreton Bay is almost one and a half times higher than the national average but an expert in suicide prevention says the community can play an “enormous” role in reducing this number.

The suicide rate in Moreton Bay is almost one and a half times higher than the national average.

The suicide rate in Moreton Bay is almost one and a half times higher than the national average but an expert in suicide prevention says the community can play an “enormous” role in reducing this number.

Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that in 2017, 12.7 deaths per 100,000 people across Australia were due to suicide.

This is above the World Health Organisation’s global average suicide mortality rate of 10.5.

The number is even higher in the Moreton Bay region with the rate at 16.8. There were 75 suicides in the region last year.

Across Greater Brisbane the rate was 14.0.

Dr Amanda Clacy is a postdoctoral research fellow in suicide prevention at University of the Sunshine Coast.

“Suicide is a complex issue so it is difficult to pin point any specific reasons as to why suicide rates might be higher in some areas than others,” Dr Clacy said.

She said it was important for key community members to have mental health first aid training, creating “community gatekeepers”.

“Gatekeepers can be people like your hairdresser, your school councillor, the local pharmacist or the waitress at the coffee shop you always go to,” Dr Clacy said.

“More often than not people in these everyday roles can pick up on dramatic changes in behaviour and intervene early by checking in with a person who may be at risk.”

Dr Clacy said the community also had to work together to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health concerns.

“An informed supportive community is a great starting point to improving help-seeking behaviours and reducing suicide,” she said.

Support services in Moreton Bay

■ headspace Redcliffe, 3897 1897

■ Redcliffe Area Youth Space phone: [phone]

■ Optimal Health program (Strathpine) phone: [phone]

■ Lives Lived Well (Caboolture) phone: [phone]

■ 1300 MH CALL

The University of the Sunshine Coast is running research project into suicide prevention. Those who have been touched by suicide are able to take part.

To register visit sc.edu.au/sunshine-coast-mind-neuroscience-thompson-institute/research/suicide-prevention/alliance-against-depression

If you or someone you know needs help phone Lifeline on 13 11 14