3 minute read
THE ECLIPSE PROGRAM
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.
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.
Despite predictive modelling suggesting otherwise, suicide rates in Australia actually declined in 2020, mirroring a trend that has been seen elsewhere globally.
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.
Still, one life lost to suicide is one too many.
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.
The group was founded in 2016 and piloted by Lifeline Mid-Coast in collaboration with Professor Myfanwy Maple and her research team from the University of New England, Lifeline Research Foundation and Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Centre, Los Angeles. With positive feedback from participants, the program is now being rolled out across the national Lifeline network.
Kelly Saidey, the Suicide Prevention Manager from Lifeline Mid Coast, runs the program which provides an opportunity to meet and talk with others who have survived a suicide attempt, providing participants with skills and tools that may assist in coping with feeling and thoughts of suicide to stay safe in the future.
The support group is closed for the duration of eight weeks and is fully confidential. Participants all start at the same time and complete the eight weeks together, making it more comfortable to share personal stories. It is important for participants to attend all group sessions.
- Kelly Saidey, Lifeline Mid Coast
“It is a huge honour to sit in the safe space of Eclipse to listen and support participants as it takes a lot of courage for them to join the group,” says Kelly.
“It is very rewarding to have participants come each week to Eclipse, seeing them become more comfortable and confident to talk more as time goes on,” she adds.
“Seeing people who struggle with their own mental health each day help another participant that has gone into crisis is just so inspiring and uplifting. They become a little safe community for each other.”
If you have attempted suicide and would like to join the Eclipse group, please give Kelly a call on 6581 2800 or email suicideprevention@lifelinemidcoast.org.au
(02) 6581 2800
admin@lifelinemidcoast.org.au
lifelinemidcoast.org.au/eclipse
PO Box: 5030 Port Macquarie NSW 2444
