Losing his brother to suicide triggered something in Graham Carpenter – and it’s been a battle to overcome his feelings of despair and hopelessness.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Nowra man said he’s had his “ups and downs” over the past 15 years, but the support of family and friends has been vital.
The weekly Shoalhaven Aboriginal Men’s Group has proved invaluable too – offering a culturally sensitive environment where those with mental health and other issues feel comfortable opening up.
“My brother’s death triggered it off – and I’ve battled to keep going, to stop the thoughts of suicide,” Mr Carpenter said.
“I’ve had stints at mental health units which have been good, but it’s also good to have people around you you can talk to when you need to.
“The men’s group has been great – we have a circle and we talk through our problems. It’s all private and confidential and you just feel better sharing things with others who’ve been through hard times too and know what it’s like.”
The 45-year-old is also supported by the South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation, which works with organisations like Grand Pacific Health and Flourish on a range of suicide prevention programs.
These include the Next Steps program which provides after-care support for those who present to emergency departments in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven following a suicide attempt.
Flourish peer support worker Danielle Van Vliet said the 12-week program helped people through the recovery process.
“We help get people back on their feet after a suicide attempt or ideation by setting goals, and breaking them down into steps that are achievable,” she said.
“Grand Pacific Health provides the clinical staff and Flourish supplies the peer workers which are really important as they know how someone feels when they’re having a bad day – because they have those days too.”
Ms Van Vliet said the program also helped refer people to the services that were appropriate for them.
“A lot of the issues people have come from situational stress – whether it’s breaking up with a partner, or drug and alcohol issues, or housing or financial problems,” she said. “It’s important to dissect the issues and get them the right support.”
