The Little Blue Book

Suicide crosses all demographic boundaries, races, religions, and socio-economic groups. It is now the leading cause of death of Australians aged 15-45, and the second-leading cause of death among those 45-54 years of age. 1 Suicide always leaves pain. The loss of so many lives of promise, of so many who leave loved ones, colleagues and friends so bewildered in their wake, is inextricably bound to depression, anxiety and stress. These dark and disabling mental disorders, and the deep curtain of helplessness and profound sadness that accompanies them, can propel sufferers to dangerous thoughts of there “being no other way out”. The act is an expression of rage and despair against the private pain of the mental illness they carry. (While there can be many factors at work, suicide victims are commonly found to be suffering mental disorders such as depression and anxiety at the time of their suicide.) Of course, intervention, treatment, and the support of family, friends and work colleagues, is another way out. But, if we are to assist someone back to good health, to rediscovering joy in their lives and to being free of these disabling negative feelings and the pain that accompanies them, it requires our urgent action. SUICIDE The suicide rate for people living in rural Australia, at 20 deaths per 100,000 persons, is nearly two times higher than the rate of suicide deaths in urban and city areas. A Regional Approach To Understanding Farmer Suicide Rates In Queensland; U. Arnautovska, S. McPhedran, D. De Leo RECOGNISING DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AND OTHER DISORDERS 104