THE CASE PROJECTMental health issues have a significant impact on an individual’s life and suicide is often the result of these issues going untreated or undetected. Small, rural communities are hit hard by these deaths, which are preventable.
According to existing data; men, young people and those living in rural and remote communities are at a higher risk of suicide. The rates of suicide in these areas are also significantly higher than the national average. My name is Andrew Pearson and my home town of Hay, in south-western New South Wales, has recently recorded its sixth suicide death in the past 2 years. It’s led to the formation of the C.A.S.E – Community Action for Suicide Elimination – committee, which comprises of community-minded individuals who are striving to reduce the number of suicide deaths in the town. It focuses on the ‘mate helping mate’ mentality and is determined to create awareness of the signs and symptoms of mental health. Growing up in the local area, I am very familiar with the Hay community and know that people will always come together in times of need. With a population of just 3000, any death hits the community extremely hard. The signs and symptoms of depression and other mental health issues often go unnoticed and suicide deaths often leave people asking why? Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/andrewrpearson For more of my work please visit: http://andrewrpearson.weebly.com/ |
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