Suicide in Margaret River is a tragic and complex issue. There are a multitude of factors that influence mental health and suicidality.
The following is a summary of factors from the Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River report.
By better understanding these factors, we as a community can come together to combat preventable risk factors to suicide in Margaret River
Limited mental health literacy: knowledge and beliefs around mental health, and limited skills to aid prevention and management.
Stigma: most rural areas experience higher levels of mental health stigma. This delays and prevents people seeking help
Persistent disadvantage: ongoing multigenerational disadvantage in housing, income and education.
Isolation: geographic location and limited transport options
Trauma: both personally and on a community level. In community there has been a multitude of bushfires, the Osmington tragedy, and other suicides.
Domestic violence: there are reported high instances of DV in Margaret River. Coercive control is under reported
Drug/alcohol use: can be a significant factor
Homelessness: many people are homeless, sleeping in cars, sleeping rough, couch surfing, and in short-term rentals
Youth-specific factors: Bullying is a key factor as well as isolation and limited activities
Impact of holiday homes: impact of homelessness, increased rent, and reduced social connectednness in neighbourhoods
Economic factors: under-employment and disproportionate employment relating to hospitality and wine industry provides limited career and financial opportunities. There is also an enournous socio-economic divide
Impact of FIFO: people working FIFO have higher levels of mental health problems due to factors concerning type of work, lifestyle, and family
Health services: health services need to be more integrated as it is currently fragmented
The report also mentions potential ways forward, some of which are currently happening such as the Mindful Margaret River initiative.
If you believe you or a loved one is at risk at suicide, contact your GP and a local therapist. In an emergency always call 000.
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