ABOUT 40 people take their own lives each year in the Northern Territory, with deaths on the increase among young and indigenous people.
ALTHOUGH overall suicides have decreased over the past eight years, the territory still has Australia’s highest suicide rates among indigenous people and the young.
The territory government is spending an extra $3 million a year to improve mental health services and build resilience in communities. High rates of alcohol and drug abuse, crime, family violence, sexual and physical abuse, chronic disease, children in care and mental illness contribute to the high suicide rate. “These factors tend to lower an individuals’ ability to build resilience and create positive coping mechanisms,” the government plan says. People are especially at risk in remote communities, where suicide is seen as an option for dealing with personal crises. “The pressure to conform, to complete study and to form relationships in an era of instant and never-ending communication presents new challenges in suicide prevention,” the plan says. Finding ways to utilise technology and giving young people a sense of belonging through culture, sports and the arts are seen as essential in addressing youth suicide. The plan will also focus on building strong personal relationships and increasing education and employment. Other goals are earlier diagnosis of mental health issues, improved infant health, reducing substance abuse, and keeping people out of jail. The plan recognises that retaining culture is crucial to preventing indigenous suicide. There will be more emphasis on language and having police work with indigenous elders in remote communities. SUICIDE IN THE NT: * Four in five are males * High risk in remote communities * Almost three times higher rate among indigenous people * Increasing risk to young Aboriginal women. (SOURCE: NT Government Suicide Prevention Strategic Action Plan, April 2015) * Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.