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THE ECLIPSE PROGRAM ✦ Support for adults who have survived a suicide attempt
The topic of suicide is a very challenging one to confront. For some, even uttering the word itself is traumatic, and understandably so. Suicide can have such a profound effect on family, loved ones, friends and the wider community. Yet, as tough a topic as it is to breach, it is vitally important that open dialogue is initiated, encouraged and maintained as just one life lost in this manner is one too many.
According the Ministry of Health website, official statistics have now confirmed the number of suicide deaths in 2020 was 3,139, 5.4% lower than the number of suicide deaths in 2019 (3,318). This is an age-standardised rate of 12.1 deaths per 100,000 people, a 6.2% decrease from 2019 (12.9) and the lowest national figure since 2016 overall, and the lowest since 2013 for females.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought upon us all incredible pressure with many people genuinely struggling under the strain of lockdown, the threat of illness, and a whole raft of restrictions that have curtailed much of our normal daily routines. Mental health has been tested and suffered as a result as we have become increasingly vulnerable.
Still, one life lost to suicide is one too many.
Despite predictive modelling suggesting otherwise, suicide rates in Australia actually declined in 2020, mirroring a trend that has been seen elsewhere globally.
There are myriad of organisations that offer crisis support services within the community in an attempt to combat suicide, among other issues. Locally, Lifeline Mid Coast offers a new peer support network for adults who have survived a suicide attempt regardless of whether it was recent or in the past. In the Eclipse group, suicide is the main topic of conversation.
