Ballarat 12th highest suicide rate in Victoria

Western Victorian regions are among the hardest hit by a devastating mental health issues and higher suicide rates, new data shows.

Ballarat has the 12th highest suicide rate in Victoria.

Western Victorian regions are some of the hardest hit in the state struggling with mental health and higher suicide rates, new data shows.

The findings, from analysis by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), show regional residents are struggling with mental health and suicide at vastly higher rates than their city counterparts.

There were 79 people in Ballarat who took their own lives with a suicide rate of 15.1 per 100,000 people between 2015 and 2019 – the 12th highest rate in Victoria.

The areas of Creswick, Daylesford and Ballan recorded 25 suicides in the same period, with a marginally higher rate of 15.2 per 100,000 people.

Geelong lost 136 lives over the four years, the most in Victoria.

Black Dog Ride board member Richard Brown said historically suicide rates in regional areas had been higher than the capital cities, and the rate was expected to increase in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“They have tended to be a bit high, and the more recent numbers are expected to increase,” Mr Brown said.

“The Aboriginal community and the LGBTQI community tend to have a higher rate.

“Some of it they put down to economic disadvantage, fewer opportunities than in the cities, and rural people as well who are battling drought and bushfires.”

January and February are the deadliest months for suicides, according to the AIHW, with the most common contributing factors to suicide including a history of self-harm, disruption of family by separation and divorce, relationship problems, the disappearance and death of a family member and legal problems.

Between 2017 and 2019 the contributing factors which saw significant increases included relationship problems, social exclusion and rejection and a family history of mental illness.

If you or someone you know needs help:
See a doctor, organise a mental health plan for visits to specialists.
Access Beyond Blue online or call 1300 22 46 36 anytime.
Lifeline on 13 11 14; Headspace; Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800; supportaftersuicide.org.au
If you are concerned take them to a hospital emergency department.
If you fear they will hurt themselves call police triple-0 immediately.