Jennifer Pittorino
Kids Helpline has released data showing a a significant increase in youth suicide related contacts requiring an urgent “duty of care” response.
Kids Helpline provided 4,608 duty of care interventions between July 1 2022 to June 30 2023.
Western suburbs youth mental health service provider Orygen provides specialist mental health services for young people aged 15 to 25.
Orygen Research Fellow in Suicide Prevention Dr Eleanor Bailey said the data is reflective of increasing rates of suicide and suicide attempts among young people.
“Over the past decade, Australian data suggests suicide rates have increased mainly in 18-24 year olds and stayed stable in adolescents,” she said.
“It’s worth noting that the Victorian Coroner recently released a report showing that there have been more deaths by suicide in young people under 18 years already this year than there were in each of the previous four years.
“We also have data that shows us rates of hospital presentations for non-fatal self-harm, including suicide attempts have been increasing in young people over the past few years.”
While Dr Bailey said there is no specific data on Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay due to privacy reasons, she said a prevalence of mental ill-health and suicide rates are generally higher in areas with higher levels of socioeconomic disadvantage.
Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter said there is an urgent need for more mental health services for young people in the inner west, which is a priority area for council.
“Currently one in four young people are seeking mental health support in the western suburbs with current wait times exceeding three months, often longer for complex issues,” she said.
“Recognising that early intervention is critical to ensure young people have active, healthy and fulfilling lives; council is working with State and Federal Governments, mental health service providers, neighbouring councils and most importantly young people themselves, to advocate for their needs.”
Orygen recommends that young people experiencing difficulties with their mental health access professional support.
“You can talk to your GP about a referral to a mental health service or psychologist, see a counsellor at your school or uni, call a helpline, or use an online therapist or self-help program,“ said Dr Bailey.
“It sometimes takes a few goes to figure out what works for you, and the process of finding a professional can take a while, but having someone professional to talk to can be incredibly helpful.“
For 24/7 help call 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au/.
