Bridgewater Jerry Suicide Prevention

CALLS TO LIFELINE INCREASING DUE TO COVID- 19

Interview: Stephanie Williams

Debbie Evans, CEO Lifeline Tasmania, knows better than most where the mental health of Tasmanians is at. Lifeline is Australia’s largest crisis line and will receive well over 1 million calls this year. With Suicide Prevention Day held recently on 10 September and October being Mental Health Month, it’s time to check in with Debbie.

At the height of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions in April there was a 75% increase in calls to Lifeline’s 13 11 44 service, compared to the same time the previous year. On Good Friday alone, Lifeline received more calls than on any other day, with 3,197 calls. This remains the record number of calls nationally. In 2018, the last reporting period, there were 3,048 lives lost to suicide in Australia. The median age for suicide is 44.4 years, which is lower than any other leading cause of death. Sadly, it’s estimated that 10 Million Australians have been impacted by suicide, either losing a loved one, a friend, colleague, community member, or struggling with suicidal ideation themselves.

How can we best support those around us right now? We know connection is the key. Encourage people to reach out to those who might be alone or appear to be struggling right now. In this connection, offering a listening ear is powerful. It is important for individuals to feel heard and this is something any one of us can do. If you notice this person is very overwhelmed or struggling, you might suggest they see their GP or call A Tasmanian Lifeline for further support.

And ourselves? For ourselves, we need to remember to be kind to ourselves. Being kind can involve incorporating self-care into each day. Self-care is about identifying what it is that you enjoy and taking time out for yourself. This can be as simple as phoning a friend, taking a walk, listening to music, or reading.

How has Covid-19 affected your services? Are you receiving a higher number of enquiries at the moment? From the March to July period Tasmanians made 10,000 calls to 13 11 14, which

Debbie Evans, CEO of Lifeline Tasmania

was a 38 per cent increase on the same time last year. On 1 May this year Lifeline Tasmanian launched A Tasmanian Lifeline in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Funded by the Tasmanian Government, A Tasmanian Lifeline operates 8am to 8pm, 7 days providing confidential mental health support, information, and advice to Tasmanians during these tough times. In the past month, the service continues to see increases in call volumes particularly for those who have mental health concerns. In addition to mental health, the key stressors we’re hearing on A Tasmanian Lifeline are financial distress and relationships, with 10 per cent of our callers identifying family violence as a primary concern. A Tasmanian Lifeline is unique compared to other mental health support lines as it provides help seekers with the chance to develop a wellbeing plan and the option of someone calling to check how things are going. We’re delighted to report that 25 per cent of all callers have requested a follow up call. This allows callers to continue to receive support for their mental health and wellbeing.

There are industries, such as hospitality, tourism, and small businesses that have been severely impacted by Covid-19. What would your advice be to those affected in a big way?

For those individuals who have been impacted significantly, we encourage them to reach out to us for support and referrals onto other services. There is no doubt that many people are doing it tough right now and we’re here for them to support. We often hear from our help seekers when we first pick up the phone that they ‘don’t want to be a burden’. No struggle is too small. Or if you simply just need to chat to someone, we are here for them at A Tasmanian Lifeline.

If a reader needs help, what should they do? There are a number of support services they can turn to. A Tasmanian Lifeline, between 8am and 8pm 7 days on 1800 98 44 34. Lifeline 13 11 14 is available 24/7 for anyone in crisis or having thoughts of suicide. Lifeline Text 0477 13 11 14 available between 6pm and midnight (AEST).