Stop Suicide: A Tasmanian’s 20yo ‘book of hope’ is being reprinted and ordered by the thousands

A Tasmanian woman’s book first published 23 years ago is being reprinted and ordered by the thousands as Tasmanians face increased isolation, anxiety and uncertainty.

• A second wave of COVID-19 could be triggered over a ‘gap’ in quarantine requirements, expert says
• Fears COVID concerns are creating mistrust and ‘demonisation’ in the community

A BOOK of hope penned by a Westbury woman is being printed by the thousands as Tasmanians face isolation, anxiety and uncertainty.

Stop Suicide by Heather Donaldson was written the 1990s in response to a series of youth suicides in regional Northern Tasmania.

Worrying new reports and forecasts have triggered high demand for a return of the resource, which is being sent to schools, libraries, health centres and Neighbourhood Houses.

The non for profit publication was first launched in 1997 by the then Senator Nick Sherry and Premier Jim Bacon with the first 1000 copies selling in a month.

The compilation of “words to hold on to” was heralded as “a most welcome initiate in the face of national concern over youth suicide rates” and an “inspired collection of anecdotes to tackle despair” at the time.

Relationships Australia and Rotary Club of Westbury recently funded a re-run of 2000 copies of the new edition with an updated cover.

Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania has ordered a further 100 copies for each of its locations with demand continuing to grow.

Heather Donaldson's book Stop Suicide. Picture: SUPPLIED

Primary Health North area services co-ordinator and Northern regional social recovery co-ordinator Pat Wrigley said the state was seeing increased need for mental health resources.

She said counsellors visiting hotel quarantine guests were noticing a spike in anxiety and young people were facing a cocktail of aggravating circumstances.

Ms Wrigley said the book was not a suicide prevention tool, but might resonate with some people.

“It has been really popular with a lot of community groups and young people,” she said.

“It’s not meant to be the answer.

“Not everyone will agree with every single thing in it, but … if one thing resonates with one young person and stops them committing suicide on an impulse or makes them feel a bit better, then it is worthwhile.”

The University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre released its report Road to Recovery: Restoring Australia’s Mental Health a fortnight ago.

It said the COVID-19 pandemic was leading to an increase in generalised anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviours – particularly among young people and other vulnerable populations – due to increased isolation and growing economic insecurity.

Heather Donaldson's book Stop Suicide. Picture: SUPPLIED

It forecast the best case scenario over the next five years to 2025 was 19,878 suicide deaths nationally – an increase of 13.7 per cent.

Over the same period, 173,123 self-harm hospitalisations (indicative of suicide attempts) and more than 1.6 million mental health-related Emergency Department presentations were projected.

The report found that measures like maintaining employment programs such as JobKeeper, investing in education programs and doubling the capacity of mental health services could help Australia navigate the mental health risk factors and prevent more than 1500 suicide deaths in the next five years.

In June, Lifeline Australia reported a 25 per cent increase in calls from Australians in distress since the COVID-19 physical distancing restrictions were implemented with a call received every 30 seconds.

If you or a loved one are struggling, further support is available.