The following is the second installment of ‘Open Source Thinking’ - Where I’ll be sharing my thoughts on how I think we could pursue a suicide-free society. I might be wrong, I’m most likely misguided, but I need to start the conversation, and if you’ve got something to say, I need you to continue it.
As a bereaved father, losing our son Aaron to suicide , I am so impressred with your blog#2. I guess I need to explain where I'm coming from. Last Tuesday I was advised I have been appointed one of 14 members of a newly formed Lived Experience Partnership Group , pare of the newly formed National Suicide Prevention Office. the reasson fo advising , is ; I am passionate about bringing innovation to the table , asnd the article outlining PTG is brilliant. I do wish to, as soon as possible , bring this to the table . If you wish to contact me on the matter , broadening the scope of this "Why cant we?", please call me on 0417253046 . I also wish to thank you for the well set out preamble about suicide rates economic and wellbeing costs . I note R4R is not in the business of advocacy . but if this is just one example of your contribution to consider change , i will do all i can to advocate on those matters. I wouls greatly appreaciate any contributions , not limited to a blog. I used to be a runner , marathons, 1/2's and the odd City to Surf, but at 72, my knees are shot. Sincerest thanks . Ken
The groups idea could also help remove the stigma around mental health as well, as in it’s ok to talk to someone else about the issues than just exclusively with a professional. You’d get varied experiences and possible solutions as well? I know when I facilitated workshops the best answers to questions would come from other participants, genuine lived experiences and helping people connect. Was so great to see.
I appreciate your thoughts regarding this. However, creating a suicide free society will never happen until the government changes it value and attitudes towards children at risk.
There is so much red tape, hoops to jump over that certainly does not all align with saving a life for vulnerable children and young minds.
The system/laws is outdated and is not geared towards positively helping kids, until something bad happens or if you are considered a extreme case. From my experience, it is a case of passing the buck from one department/organisation to another.
I express my point of view from my despair dealing with ACT government schools, Child Youth protection services and various agencies seeking help.
I think you're onto something here, mate. The model already works in other settings such as AA and NA groups. I had a similar thought a while back where you could have an AA-style forum for people who suffer from certain mental illnesses could come together for a casual, open group-style meeting. The premise is the same... Finding comfort in knowing that you are not alone in how you feel. I think this is one of the biggest issues. When we are down we think we are experiencing something completely unique to us, but we're not. I think it could get to a point where you just go along anyway, even if you're not feeling down, as a form of maintenance, just like how AA works. I never considered the idea of a professional running these types of forums though. I think it's a great idea. Not sure how you would go about it though. I think our W4R's catch-ups are another great example of how the forum is beneficial. I always leave them feeling better than I was and feeling inspired. I even spoke to a mate of mine about whether it would be realistic to have a google meet style meeting where people could tune in and listen to others speak about their troubles, even anonymously until they felt comfortable enough to share. To some, it sounds a bit dark, like why would I wanna tune in to hear a bunch of sad shit? But I think there's more upside to it than that. Hearing someone else talk about how they navigated their struggles and found a way through gives people hope and inspiration. Just sort of brain-farting here. But maybe through these conversations, we might find a nugget and something significant could present it's self.
I love this idea! I think groups would suit those who are scared to see a psychologist alone. I think going by yourself can often be a barrier to seeking help.
Another issue is funding, there arent enough places in masters psychology degrees to accept those who apply and it's grade based. If you get distinction average then you have a higher chance of getting accepted. But we all know grades aren't everthing.
As a bereaved father, losing our son Aaron to suicide , I am so impressred with your blog#2. I guess I need to explain where I'm coming from. Last Tuesday I was advised I have been appointed one of 14 members of a newly formed Lived Experience Partnership Group , pare of the newly formed National Suicide Prevention Office. the reasson fo advising , is ; I am passionate about bringing innovation to the table , asnd the article outlining PTG is brilliant. I do wish to, as soon as possible , bring this to the table . If you wish to contact me on the matter , broadening the scope of this "Why cant we?", please call me on 0417253046 . I also wish to thank you for the well set out preamble about suicide rates economic and wellbeing costs . I note R4R is not in the business of advocacy . but if this is just one example of your contribution to consider change , i will do all i can to advocate on those matters. I wouls greatly appreaciate any contributions , not limited to a blog. I used to be a runner , marathons, 1/2's and the odd City to Surf, but at 72, my knees are shot. Sincerest thanks . Ken
The groups idea could also help remove the stigma around mental health as well, as in it’s ok to talk to someone else about the issues than just exclusively with a professional. You’d get varied experiences and possible solutions as well? I know when I facilitated workshops the best answers to questions would come from other participants, genuine lived experiences and helping people connect. Was so great to see.
Matt,
I appreciate your thoughts regarding this. However, creating a suicide free society will never happen until the government changes it value and attitudes towards children at risk.
There is so much red tape, hoops to jump over that certainly does not all align with saving a life for vulnerable children and young minds.
The system/laws is outdated and is not geared towards positively helping kids, until something bad happens or if you are considered a extreme case. From my experience, it is a case of passing the buck from one department/organisation to another.
I express my point of view from my despair dealing with ACT government schools, Child Youth protection services and various agencies seeking help.
I think you're onto something here, mate. The model already works in other settings such as AA and NA groups. I had a similar thought a while back where you could have an AA-style forum for people who suffer from certain mental illnesses could come together for a casual, open group-style meeting. The premise is the same... Finding comfort in knowing that you are not alone in how you feel. I think this is one of the biggest issues. When we are down we think we are experiencing something completely unique to us, but we're not. I think it could get to a point where you just go along anyway, even if you're not feeling down, as a form of maintenance, just like how AA works. I never considered the idea of a professional running these types of forums though. I think it's a great idea. Not sure how you would go about it though. I think our W4R's catch-ups are another great example of how the forum is beneficial. I always leave them feeling better than I was and feeling inspired. I even spoke to a mate of mine about whether it would be realistic to have a google meet style meeting where people could tune in and listen to others speak about their troubles, even anonymously until they felt comfortable enough to share. To some, it sounds a bit dark, like why would I wanna tune in to hear a bunch of sad shit? But I think there's more upside to it than that. Hearing someone else talk about how they navigated their struggles and found a way through gives people hope and inspiration. Just sort of brain-farting here. But maybe through these conversations, we might find a nugget and something significant could present it's self.
I love this idea! I think groups would suit those who are scared to see a psychologist alone. I think going by yourself can often be a barrier to seeking help.
Another issue is funding, there arent enough places in masters psychology degrees to accept those who apply and it's grade based. If you get distinction average then you have a higher chance of getting accepted. But we all know grades aren't everthing.
"Your an ideas man Steve." Count me in for a session.