Suicide. It’s an uncomfortable topic, but it’s not one the community can afford to ignore, Tamworth’s Youth Volunteer of the Year says.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Aimee Caulfield speaks from personal experience when it comes to suicide. She attempted to take her life when she was 12, 14 and 17.
This week, mental health and youth advocates have been raising awareness about suicide through Sock It To Suicide Week.
Miss Caulfield said suicide, particularly in rural and regional youth, was an “unbelievably excruciatingly common” issue, that “often happened right under our noses”.
“This is a bigger issue than everyone wants to see and regardless of how uncomfortable it is, we we have to talk about it,” she said.
“When I was younger, I attempted suicide on multiple occasions. It all went under radar and I wish that someone had helped me through, that rather than brush it off.”
Her advice to anyone that ever finds themselves in a similar situation: “Talk, it’s as simple as it gets”.
“It may be the most difficult, gut-wrenching horrible feeling, but you don’t know how supportive and understanding people can be until you open up,” Miss Caulfield said.
Historically, suicide rates have been much high in regional and rural areas.
In 2015, the Hunter New England Health district had the highest number of suicides of any health district with 139 suicides, at a rate of 15.6 per 100,000 people.
“We need to work together more as a community to get our statistics down,” Miss Caulfield said.
“We aren’t just losing people, we are losing bits of ourselves.
“We aren’t just losing kids or adults, we are losing people that could have been outstanding members of the community.
“We don’t know what that person could have been doing in five or 10 years’ time.”
Miss Caulfield found help through Youth Insearch – a youth support program she now leads.
“Youth Insearch is a prime example of community members coming together to provide support for other community members,” she said.
“Those support networks, be in Youth Insearch, some other organisation, a friend or family member, are always there. Never be afraid to reach out.”
- If you or anyone you know is having trouble and needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.