The suicide rate among young Australians reached a 10-year high, increasing by 32 per cent since 2006, according to a 2016 report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
These figures, along with a high youth unemployment rate in Boggabri which is a known cause of anxiety and depression, have prompted local doctors to urge young people to reach out and seek support for mental health issues.
Dr Oshi Gunawardhana a general practitioner (GP) at Boggabri’s Ochre Medical Centre said seeking help for mental health is vital.
“It’s vital for young people to seek treatment for mental health issues instead of suffering in silence,” Dr Gunawardhana said.
“It always helps to talk with someone, and there are several therapies available which can make a positive difference to a person’s quality of life.”
Dr Gunawardhana also said Boggabri’s high youth unemployment rate was a contributing factor to mental health issues.
“We have a high youth unemployment rate in Boggabri and, subsequently, many young people suffer from mental health issues or are at risk of developing them,” she said.
“We see a lot of young people reluctant to speak with their family or GP about mental health issues, for fear of being judged.”
Eight symptoms of possible mental health issues:
- Weight gain or loss
- Irritability
- Social withdrawal
- Anhedonia or a lack of enjoyment in activities that once gave a person pleasure.
- Conflict in the workplace
- Loss of productivity
- Insomnia
- Memory loss or a short attention span
If you or anyone you know needs help contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
