Eight Australians die to suicide every day, and one in four people say they know someone who has taken their own life.
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According to research by Suicide Prevention Australia, not all people who suicide have a mental illness, but it is a significant risk factor of suicide, with suicide rates among people with mental illness at least seven times higher than the general population.
Black Dog Institute director of discovery and innovation Nicole Cockayne said prioritising the mental health of staff in the workplace is of high importance.
“Given that one in six people in the Australian workplace are suffering from a mental illness art any one time and the highest number of suicides are often by people of working age, it’s perhaps no surprise mental illness is the leading cause of long-term sickness absences among Australian workers,” she said.
“By prioritising mental health of staff, you can not only avoid the above costs but also reap other benefits including improved staff morale and productivity, reduced staff turnover as well as improved workplace relationships.”
Business and workplaces around the Shoalhaven have been encouraged to take part in the QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer online course.
QPR is a one-hour, online training which gives people the confidence to talk to a colleague, peer or family member about their suicidal thoughts and connect them with professional care.
South Coast women’s health organisation Waminda has rolled out the training among staff, and staff member Michelle Dickson said it had been highly beneficial.
“It’s given the women who work here the confidence to have those conversations and ask each other, and our clients if they are okay,” she said.
“I a lot of people find it difficult to approach a situation where someone might be struggling and this gives them the skills to do so.”
Ms Dickson said the course was also simple to complete during a busy work day.
“It only takes an hour which makes it really easy to incorporate into our schedules,” she said.
Employers have a key role to play in raising awareness, and helping to prevent, suicide, according to the Black Dog Institute, and MS Dickson said the training had made a big difference.
“A lot of people were shocked by the suicide statistics and it’s important to be aware of them,” she said.
“This isn’t just something that affects our community, it’s the whole state and the whole country.”
The QPR training is available at a cost of $10.
For more information, visit the Suicide Prevention Collaborative QPR website.
If you or someone you know needs support now, please call Lifeline 24/7 on 131 114.
Madeline Crittenden
Madeline Crittenden is a journalist for Fairfax Media at the South Coast Register.
Madeline Crittenden is a journalist for Fairfax Media at the South Coast Register.
