Are we just totally overwhelmed?

Relentless coverage of world politics, global disasters, the compounding effects of drought, flood, and bushfire, and the impacts of policy change, interest rates, cost of living, fluctuating commodity prices, and the fallout from COVID, desensitises us to the real and continuous struggle at a grassroots level within our communities..

It is easy to also adopt the 'she'll be right' approach to poor mental health and apply a broad brush approach of, ' they’re resilient, they'll be right.'

Statistics are telling us we need to be gathering tools in our mental health toolbox to better support eachother in challenging times, particularly in rural and remote communities where access to professional services might limited.

It’s not until suicide impacts your circle of influence that you take notice of the devastating ripple effect it has throughout the community.

Recently released data by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals that 3249 Australians died by suicide in 2022, compared to 3166 in 2021. 8.6 Australians die every day by suicide and an estimate 65,000 people attempt suicide each year.

I very rarely use statistics when referring to suicide in our country because that is what they are, statistics.

Statistics reveal very little of the enormous impact, loss, sadness, trauma, and emptiness felt by families, work colleagues, friends, first responders, and communities who have been touched by suicide.

We need to make mental health and suicide prevention a priority.

Statistics don't save lives. Simple conversions and actions do.

In times of crisis and or uncertainty, when you feel like a conversation is too big for family or friends alone, connect with a trusted health professional like your GP, and or services like Lifeline 13 11 14 or TIACS by calling or texting 0488 846 988 Mon-Fri 8am-10pm AEST or the many other local and government support services.

To connect with me go to my website. www.theunbreakablefarmer.com.au/contact