Today,
September 10th, is World Suicide Prevention Day, and the start of World
Suicide Prevention Week. I spend time in the dark places myself and
know both how fast and easy the plummet to the bottom can be and how
very hard it is to see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel much less climb out again.
Most of you know I do voluntary work with Lifeline Australia, a telephone crisis line. Almost everyone who rings those lines with thoughts of suicide has at least a degree of ambivalence. I, and all the other volunteers, will work on that ambivalence to keep the caller safe for the moment/the day and to help them see and consider other options. Lifeline believes that suicide is often preventable and that the start of the journey to safety can be only a phone call away. It is often a long and painful journey but should never ever be one that people feel condemned to walk alone.
Here in Australia suicide is still the leading cause of death for people aged under 44. More people die from suicide each year than are killed on the roads. Sadly the numbers of people we lose to suicide are rising again. Which, given that I suspect suicide is under reported, is scary.
Not only does suicide take its toll on our young, there are other groups who are over-represented in its tragic ranks including (but not limited to) our indigenous population, the LGBTQI community, people with mental health issues, farmers, tradesmen, the unemployed, and the military. Sadly we lose many more of our military personnel (serving and veterans) to suicide than we do in the theatre of war. While we still lose more men to suicide than women, the numbers of women who die by suicide is climbing (an equality I don't want).
Our suicide rate isn't the highest in the world but the rate in Australia is above the World Health Organisation's (WHO) global average.
Most of you know I do voluntary work with Lifeline Australia, a telephone crisis line. Almost everyone who rings those lines with thoughts of suicide has at least a degree of ambivalence. I, and all the other volunteers, will work on that ambivalence to keep the caller safe for the moment/the day and to help them see and consider other options. Lifeline believes that suicide is often preventable and that the start of the journey to safety can be only a phone call away. It is often a long and painful journey but should never ever be one that people feel condemned to walk alone.
Here in Australia suicide is still the leading cause of death for people aged under 44. More people die from suicide each year than are killed on the roads. Sadly the numbers of people we lose to suicide are rising again. Which, given that I suspect suicide is under reported, is scary.
Not only does suicide take its toll on our young, there are other groups who are over-represented in its tragic ranks including (but not limited to) our indigenous population, the LGBTQI community, people with mental health issues, farmers, tradesmen, the unemployed, and the military. Sadly we lose many more of our military personnel (serving and veterans) to suicide than we do in the theatre of war. While we still lose more men to suicide than women, the numbers of women who die by suicide is climbing (an equality I don't want).
Our suicide rate isn't the highest in the world but the rate in Australia is above the World Health Organisation's (WHO) global average.
In 2011 Lifeline began national suicide prevention walks - 'Out of the Shadows and into the Light'. The walks begin before dawn and continue into the growing light. It remembers those lost and those bereaved by suicide, with an additional focus on raising awareness. The symbolism of starting the walk in the dark and progressing into the light of a new day means a lot to me. Some centres start their walk later (ten or eleven) to attract more people and publicity. I can see why, but am glad that our walks start in the dark. This cause means a great deal to me and I have attended each walk except the first one. This may be my last year so of course I went. Was it sensible? Possibly not but sometimes sensible has to take a back seat.
I don't think that all suicide is wrong. However, it is such a final decision that I hope it is not the first option considered or tried. And, as a solution to a temporary problem, I do think it is wrong. Right or wrong it is always a tragedy. A tragedy for the person who had, or believed they had, no other options and a tragedy for those they leave behind. And the ripples from that tragedy encompass a lot of people. Research shows that each time someone suicides, there are up to 135 people affected. In addition there is strong evidence that if someone close to you dies by suicide your own chances of taking that path are dramatically increased.
This
year the walk started from the National Carillon again.
This morning I headed off
again before dawn, grateful for the opportunity. My diseases slow me down, ensure my gait is wobbly and uneven and is painful. The
issue is much more important than I am. So I walked. Slowly just as I
do every year. Stopping to take photos. Rain was forecast. Tears from the sky. It held off till after the walk and, showing some sense, I got a lift some of the way round.
There were brief speeches. Some of the names those lost were read out - which I find moving. Sadly the list grows each year. As I have done for a number of years, I added the name of the father of a friend of mine. His family understood why he took that step but continue to mourn and grieve for the opportunity lost to say goodbye. This ceremony means that people are no longer nameless, but identified and missed. The youngest person identified in that list was 13 - which hurts my head and my heart.
There were brief speeches. Some of the names those lost were read out - which I find moving. Sadly the list grows each year. As I have done for a number of years, I added the name of the father of a friend of mine. His family understood why he took that step but continue to mourn and grieve for the opportunity lost to say goodbye. This ceremony means that people are no longer nameless, but identified and missed. The youngest person identified in that list was 13 - which hurts my head and my heart.
This
morning we were again given a song. A song written by a talented
performer and tagged as a favourite by someone later died by suicide in
the studio in which it was created.
Tears were shed. Tears were shared.
Come
walk with me, through the chilly dawn, into the hopeful light of a new day (culminating in a cuppa with the other walkers).
The
empty chairs from other years have been replaced with candles to
symbolise the light(s) lost. This year we ran out of candles. Which is sad and bad.
RU OK day is also celebrated in World Suicide Prevention Week. A simple question we should be asking family, friends and colleagues every day.
Some services and links which may be useful for Australian readers include:
Lifeline 1311 14
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSue, please allow me to write: I love you.
ReplyDeleteYou are a wonderful woman.
An eloquent and important post my friend. Aloha to you
ReplyDeleteTears were shed. Tears were shared.
This is important. Thank you for this work.
ReplyDeletePeople need to know that they matter. Each of us were created for a reason. ❤️ Your work is so important, Sue. I am thankful you do it.
ReplyDeleteThank you again for this work. I know we have such programs here, too, and while I've never had a chance to work with them, I am very thankful for them.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sue, so much for all you do and your persistence and grit in doing the walk this year. I have lost a few to suicide or attempted suicide over the years and they leave devastation. And you are right, it is under reported as so many families have such shame around it and perhaps a sense of failure too. I, too, have been in dark, dark places and at one time came close.
ReplyDeleteWell done to you particularly and all those who man the lines and walk the walk with others.
XO
WWW
You acknowledge this may be your last walk but you prioritise it above all the thkngs you could do today. That speaks volumes about what it means and about who you are.
ReplyDeleteI'd forgotten today was the day, I forget every year, and I am glad you walked though you must have been half frozen with the cold. Hope you wore plenty of warm layers.
ReplyDeleteThis is just so YOU, dear friend. Out there doing the thing, regardless of how you feel. Raising awareness and remembering those lost - two of the most important things anyone could do. Thank you. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWonderful article, Sue!!
ReplyDeleteI was very touched by the phrase that says that the journey from darkness to light is often just a phone call away!! Excellent people who care about their fellow man!! You put us in the mood with your photos too! Thank you very much Sue, I hope you are well.
Dear EC
ReplyDeleteThank you for all you (and many others) do to help the desperate people on the end of the phone line. Your support cannot be underestimated. Congratulations on the walk too. All those people affected and wanting to do something.
I do hope that it won't be the last time you take part. I often think about my former pupil who died much too young, particularly when a piece of music played at his funeral is on the radio. It is important to remember the lives behind the statistics, all having an impact on those other families and friends, so thank you for this important reminder.
Best wishes
Ellie