News
For Journalists
Mindframe is the Australian Department of Health and Ageing's national strategy for promoting responsible and accurate reporting of suicide and mental illness in the media. If you are a journalist, make sure you have a copy of 'Reporting Suicide and Mental Illness - a resource for media professionals'.
Mindframe can also assist journalists to prepare responsible stories about suicide and suicide prevention and provide talent for media. See the expert comment section of their website for further details.
Reportage
The following stories from the last six months cover suicide and/or self-harm. To share your opinion of these stories and discuss reportage of suicide and self-harm in the media, visit the LIFE discussion forums.
Mental health program lauded for aiding at-risk young people
31 January 2012, Geelong Advertiser
Same sex-attracted young people are 14 times more likely to choose suicide but a pioneering Geelong program is continuing to provide life-saving strength and connections.
NT youth suicide rate getting worse
30 January 2012, Ninemsn
Youth suicide rates in the Northern Territory are far higher than anywhere else in Australia and seem to be getting worse, a hearing has been told.
R U OK? Day founder posthumously honoured
26 January 2012, Ninemsn
Suicide prevention campaigner Gavin Larkin lost his battle with cancer last September but his work through the founding of R U OK? Day lives on.
Psychosis prevention gets a boost
16 January 2012, The Age
An additional 1200 young people will receive specialised mental health treatment under an ambitious Victorian government bid to expand former Australian of the Year Patrick McGorry's early psychosis model across the state.
Family of suicide teen Sheniz Erkan urge parents to watch children's internet use
13 January 2012, The Australian
The family of a teenage girl who committed suicide after being bullied online and at school have pleaded for parents to keep a close watch on their children's internet use, echoing calls from former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett for parents to take more responsibility with their children.
New suicide prevention plan in SA
12 January 2012, Herald Sun
A new suicide prevention strategy in South Australia will focus on common risk factors as well as eduction and research.
Excessive gamers more depressed
9 January 2012, HealthCanal.com
Excessive video gamers may have higher levels of anxiety and depression, according to preliminary studies at Victoria University.
Mental health in crisis
7 January 2012, The Mercury
Tasmania is facing a mental health crisis as budget cuts force the shutdown of crucial early intervention programs while specialist medical treatment becomes more unavailable, insiders are warning.
Depression linked to heart attacks - study
4 January 2012, News.com.au
PEOPLE with depression could be at greater risk of a heart attack or heart disease, a new study has found.
Ravaged Darling Downs farmers battling silent war
3 January 2012, The Courier-Mail
The Darling Downs farming community is banding together to stave off the black dog of depression.
Depression Can Be Alleviated By Good Works For Others, Research Discovers
2 January 2012, The Inquisitr
New research into depression seems to indicate that while the idea of puking rainbows when you’re bummed out isn’t always intuitive, it could be one of the ways forward out of a slump.
Call for mental health system redesign
29 December 2011, The Maitland Mercury
A former Maitland man and suicide prevention advocate is calling for the state government to redesign the mental health system and introduce a continuum of care model to stop people taking their own lives.
Suicides fall at Xmas, rise in new year
29 December 2011, Adelaide Now
CONTRARY to popular belief, suicide rates actually decline at Christmas but rise in the new year.
The politics of suicide prevention
21 December 2011, Online Opinion
Opinion piece by suicide survivor and PhD author David Webb.
Detention centre staff condemned by coroner over deaths of Villawood detainees
19 December 2011, The Australian
A NSW coroner has slammed the immigration department and two private contractors for failing in their duty of care to three asylum-seekers who took their own lives over a three-month period in 2010.
Survey to target mental health
19 December 2011, The Advertiser
A Nationwide survey next year will grade Australia's mental health services for the first time. Thousands of people will be consulted in the preparation of a national report card on mental illness.
Prison suicide prompts call for change
17 December 2011
The Queensland coroner says urgent changes are needed in prisons, following the suicide of a female inmate.
Will Facebook Tool Really Prevent Suicides?
17 December 2011, International Business Times
Facebook added a suicide prevention tool on Tuesday that allows users to tag posts that express suicidal thoughts and helps suicidal users connect with a counselor. Friends will now be able to report suicidal behavior by clicking on a report option next to the post in question.
Facebook aims to help prevent suicide
13 December 2011, brisbanetimes.com.au
Facebook is making it easier for people who express suicidal thoughts on the social networking site to get help.
Initiative aims to curb number of child suicides
13 December 2011
The Northern Territory Child Deaths Review and Prevention Committee says a report is being prepared for the government to recommend how best to reduce the incidence of child suicides.
More Early Psychosis Services for Young Australians
8 December 2011, Department of Health and Ageing
Thousands of young Australians experiencing early psychosis, or psychotic disorders, are a step closer to accessing innovative new youth early psychosis services.
Doctors reach out to hurting Queenslanders
6 December 2011
Doctors have banded together for a new campaign designed to reach out to vulnerable and fragile Queenslanders this Christmas.
Boffins battle a suicide crisis
5 December 2011, Herald Sun
Stressed, suicidal or bullied? Help could be a mouse click away for young people under revolutionary proposals being considered by a world-first research project.
Road deaths, suicides top Qld child toll
1 December 2011, Nine News
Traffic accidents and suicides are still the leading external causes of death in Queensland children, latest figures show.
New study uses 'psychological autopsies' to shed light on farmer suicides
30 November 2011, ABC Rural
The rate of farmers committing suicide is still higher than the national average but the reasons behind the statistics are still largely unknown.
A boost for youth suicide prevention
26 November 2011, Herald Sun
Some of the most vulnerable and marginalised young people have been handed a lifeline to prevent suicide and discrimination.
Researchers probe high suicide risks for farmers
25 November 2011, ABC Rural
Australian farmers have among the highest risks of suicide of any occupational group, according to the Centre for Rural and Remote Health.
Report finds no suicide increase
22 November 2011, The Chronicle
A Coroner's report has quashed claims of flood related suicides skyrocketing in Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley.
One in 12 teens commits self-harm - study
17 November 2011, news.com.au
One in 12 teenagers self-harm, with girls more likely than boys to deliberately hurt themselves.
Study probes farmer suicides
15 November 2011, ABC News
A new university study is hoping to uncover why farmers are up to two times more likely to take their own lives.
Landmark Study Finds Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale Predicts Suicide Attempt
8 November 2011, HealthCanal.com
A landmark study led by Columbia Psychiatry researchers has shown that the Columbia Suicide Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is not only valuable in assessing suicidal behavior, but is significantly valuable in predicting an attempt.
Is it time to end the media's code of silence on suicide, asks Alan Howe
7 November 2011, Herald Sun
IT'S ONE of the biggest public health issues, but you won't read about it. That's because newspapers have agreed to a unique code of silence. Are we right?
Suicide prevention is key
5 November 2011, NewsMail
THE Bundaberg region needs more suicide prevention organisations if it is to actively reduce youth suicide rates, a bereavement support volunteer believes.
Mental health intervention can help prevent suicides among youth
4 November 2011, News Medical
Roughly 1 million people die by suicide each year. In the U.S., where nearly 36,000 people take their own lives annually, more than 4,600 victims are between the ages of 10 and 24, making suicide the third leading cause of death in this age group.
West Gate bridge safety barriers a bonus for all
24 October 2011, Herald Sun
The safety barriers at the West Gate Bridge are good news for all Victorians. Long-term, authoritative research shows that if you can prevent someone with suicidal thoughts from killing themselves at that moment, many of them will never try it again.
Stress, alcohol abuse rife in the military
24 October 2011, Herald Sun
Military personnel suffer higher anxiety than the rest of society, but their suicide rates are below the national average.
Petrol sniffing blamed for remote deaths
22 October 2011, The Sydney Morning Herald
Petrol sniffing has been partly blamed for a small Aboriginal community in Western Australia's far north having a suicide rate 100 times greater than the general population.
Senate committee hears about Kimberley suicides
21 October 2011, ABC News
A senate committee has heard 23 Indigenous people have committed suicide in Western Australia's Kimberley in the past year.
Heavy metal fans more exposed to mental illness, study finds
20 October 2011, Herald Sun
Teens listening to head-banging heavy metal music are at risk of depression and suicide, a study reveals. The Melbourne University paper says early intervention at schools is necessary before behavioural problems start.
Mums going online to boost their mood
11 October 2011, Herald Sun
An online initiative aimed at women with anxiety or post-natal depression, who may have once slipped through the cracks, is being tested by Austin Health's Parent Infant Research Program.
Premier calls for national effort on mental health
10 October 2011, ABC News
The Queensland Premier is calling for a new campaign to reduce the stigma of mental illness. Anna Bligh says Australia is the only western economy that hasn't tackled the issue on a nation-wide basis.
Doctors mental health funding plea
30 September 2011, Herald Sun
Doctors want the Federal Government to delay changes to a mental health program for at least a year so it has time to consider the findings of a parliamentary inquiry.
Standby coordinator receives national recognition
16 September 2011, Media Release
United Synergies StandBy National Coordinator Jill Fisher has been internationally recognised for her work in the area of suicide postvention.
CASPER presents suicide strategy to PM
15 September 2011, Voxy.co.nz
A group of families bereaved by suicide, supporters from the community of Kawerau who CASPER has supported and a GP met with the New Zealand Prime Minister yesterday to present their alternative to the government's current suicide prevention strategy.
R U OK to tackle suicide?
15 September 2011, Bendigo Advertiser
R U OK? Day is a national event that aims to prevent suicide by encouraging people to connect with others and stop a small problem become a bigger one.
World Suicide Prevention Day - Bringing experts together to tackle suicide
10 September 2011, Department of Health and Ageing
On World Suicide Prevention Day, the Gillard Labor Government announced a range of new measures aimed at strengthening its efforts to tackle suicide in the community.
Feds appoint e-mental health expert group
6 September 2011, eHealthspace.org
The federal government has appointed an expert group to oversee Australia’s first mental health online portal and virtual clinic.
Study shows marked gender differences in the use of suicide methods
31 August 2011, News Medical
Men nearly twice as likely as women to use a method that disfigures the face or head when taking their own lives.
LGBTI Alliance releases mental health report: shocked by mainstream services' attitudes
31 August 2011, Community Net
Australia’s LGBTI Health Alliance has released a report which provides a snapshot of services, gaps and awareness concerning LGBTI people in Australia.
Climate change causing suicides and self-harm, says report
29 August 2011, mydr.com.au
Regional Australia is bearing the brunt of a changing climate, which is exacting a human cost in poorer mental health, a report says.
Grassroots approach urged to stop youth suicides
29 August 2011, ABC
Western Australia's Mental Health Commissioner says a grassroots approach is needed to stop young people committing suicide in a West Kimberley town.
Supermodel Miranda Kerr inspired by cousin's death to campaign against youth suicide
29 August 2011, News.com.au
After supermodel Miranda Kerr's younger cousin took his own life, she knew she had to do something to help fight youth suicide.
Lifeline trials online chat feature
22 August 2011, TechWorld
Suicide prevention organisation Lifeline is currently trialling a real-time online chat function on its website — in addition to its traditional phone service — to reach out to more people in need of support.
Being who you are
22 August 2011, The Age
Young homosexuals have a suicide rate of three to four times the average. Catherine Reidy has developed a way to change that.
Mental health experts brief COAG meeting
19 August 2011, Sky News
Prof McGorry told Sky News that following the federal government's 'first payment' on mental health in the May budget it was now up to the states and territories to get on board.
Mental health fears as experts say refugee kids need help from 'the rich'
11 August 2011, The Australian
Restrictive immigration policies by rich nations such as Australia are damaging the mental health of children seeking asylum, international experts have warned.
Families cite boredom as a factor in suicides
11 August 2011, The Australian
Young people in the remote Kimberley community of Balgo are bored and need more opportunities, according to the families of five young males who died from suicide and petrol sniffing.
Speak up about cyber bullies
10 Aug 2011, Southern Courier
In the wake of the recent cyberbullying tragedy, Kids Helpline is urging young Australians to speak up about their concerns, particularly regarding any form of bullying, harassment or violence.
New members of the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention announced
6 August 2011, Government of Western Australia Media Release
Estelle Dragun, mother of late Perth journalist Charmaine Dragun, has joined the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention to implement Western Australia’s first Suicide Prevention Strategy.The council has significant expertise and also includes newly-appointed chair Peter Fitzpatrick, who has a distinguished record of involvement in youth crisis and suicide prevention services; Lifeline WA CEO Amanda Wheeler; and Jenny Allen, Youth Focus CEO.
Suicide numbers spur plan of action
5 August 2011, The Southland Times
The suicide rate in Southland is nearly 25 per cent higher then the national average, a combined committee was told at Southland Hospital yesterday.
We Need To Talk About It
5 Aug 2011, newmatilda.com
The Press Council has issued new guidelines on the reporting of suicide. Sensitive reporting will, John Pitt hopes, contribute to overcoming wider taboos on talking about suicide
Mental health scheme is 'welfare for wealthy'
15 Jul 2011, Port Stephens Examiner
Mental health activist, Neil Cole, says he knows a couple with a $14 million mansion and two Mercedes cars who still claim from Medicare for counselling from a psychologist they don't really need.
Billions more for the mentally ill but the buck stops elsewhere
13 July 13 2011, The Age
Advocates have drummed into our collective consciousness that mental healthcare in Australia is grossly underfunded. So an injection of $1.5 billion must surely be a good thing? Well, yes … sort of.
Barriers add to safety as Gap Park upgrades finish
13 July 2011, Wentworth Courier
A Community campaign to fund crucial upgrades at Gap Park is about to come to fruition with the $2.2 million project expected to be completed next week.
New moves in mental health rebate battle
12 July 2011, Medical Observer
Doctors have taken the next step in the campaign to stop cuts to rebates for GP mental health plans, asking tens of thousands of colleagues, health professionals and patients to sign a petition against the controversial move.
People with long term debilitating physical illness demonstrate mental resilience
11 July 2011, News Medical
People who have a long term debilitating physical illness demonstrate mental resilience according to Understanding Society, the world's largest longitudinal household study.
Online mental health support after floods, cyclone
11 July 2011, Queensland University of Technology
This article outlines free online help for victims of natural disaster.
Overhaul sought to stem youth suicides
9 July 2011, Canberra Times
This article discusses a handful of recommendations to come out of the latest parliamentary report into youth suicide.
Obama changes line on US troop suicides
8 July 2011, The Maitland Mercury
Silence about suicide is a hindrance not a help in lowering the suicide rate, United Kingdom mental health nurse and academic Prof Dawn Freshwater says.
Men told to 'soften the f--- up'
7 July 2011, North Queensland Register
An online campaign is calling for men to abandon the masculine stereotype in aid of their mental health.
People Think Depression is a “State Of Mind”, Not Illness: Survey
7 July 2011, Top News
A recent survey has found that almost a quarter of people still believe that depression is a “state of mind” and not an illness.
Suicide not taboo, says Bendigo support group member
6 July 2011, Bendigo Advertiser
If the suicide rate is going to drop, the community needs to start talking about it, says Tina Carson from the Bendigo Suicide Support Group.
Different media, same bullying
28 June 2011, The West Australian
An opinion piece on bullying pre and post introduction of cyber technologies.
Suicide rate
27 June 2011, Australian Senior
This article draws attention to concerns about the suicide rate in people aged over 75 and reports that there is a lack of mental health services for the 65 plus age group.
Youth suicide needs discussion
21 June 2011, Star Observer
Focuses on a soon to be launched campaign, Ride to Live, which aims to open up conversations about depression and suicide among young people. The campaign is a joint initiative between headspace and a clothing manufacturer.
Inquest into McKay youth suicides
21 June 2011, Daily Mercury
Reports on inquiry to be held by a coroner regarding the death of two young people by suicide during 2008 in McKay, Queensland.
Helping young people: invest now, save later
21 June 2011, The Age
The author provides a brief overview of a report prepared by New Zealand's Chief Science Officer on how to better support adolescents. The report can be accessed from the New Zeland Office of the Prime Minister's Science Advisory Committee's website.
Help plea to tackle rise in suicides
21 June 2011, The West Australian
Reports on current suicide statistics for WA this year and the community's response to this.
Study shows increase in emergency department visits for drug-related suicide attempts for men
20 June 2011, News Medical
Reports on findings of US study that the rate of drug-related suicide attempts by men has increased during 2005-2009.
Suicide must be brought out into the open: McGorry
20 June 2011, The Advocate
This article reports on Professor McGorry's call to hold more open discussions about suicide and the impact it has on those that are left behind.
Disclosing sexual identity increases emotional well-being, but mainly in supportive settings
20 June 2011, News Medical
Summarises the findings of research that was just published in Social Psychological & Personality Science which indicates that coming out in safe supportive environments can be protective and beneficial. The abstract and free full text article can be accessed from the journal's website.
Changing attitudes to homophobia
17 June 2011, Moonee Valley Weekly
Covers the stories of 5 locals who identify as gay or lesbian.
Plea for suicide campaign prompts federal support
16 June 2011, Farm Weekly
Reports on the lobbying for a state government funded suicide prevention campaign.
New MP spotlights suicide prevention
16 June 2011, Stock & Land
Reports on the maiden speech by new state member for Hornsby, which included a call for the Federal government to spend more money on suicide prevention.
Two mates plan symbolic trek
14 June 2011, The Hume Weekly
Reports on two young people from Craigeburn (Victoria) who are planning to walk from Melbourne to Sydney next year to raise awareness about depression and suicide.
Editorial: youth suicide concerns all
14 June 2011, Courier Mail
Discusses youth suicide.
Many chronic pain sufferers ponder suicide
07 June 2011, The Australian
This article reports the impact of chronic pain, including increased suicide risk.
Gay teens more likely to engage in risky behaviors: study
07 June 2011, International Business Times
Reports on findings of the USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the engagement in risky behaviours by teenagers in Grades nine to 12. Download the report (PDF, opens in separate window).
Standards to be drawn up for suicide support groups
06 June 2011, The Irish Times
Reports on a series of regional meetings in Ireland that are being held to establish national standards for suicide prevention.
Silence on suicide does more harm than good
05 June 2011, The Punch
An opinion piece on suicide reporting in the public arena.
No place for cyber bullying
04 June 2011, Bendigo Advertiser
Reports on the finding by Victorian Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal that a Bendigo teenager died as a result of an act of violence. This act of violence is reported to have been involving cyber bullying.
Victim speaks out against vile web rumours
03 June 2011, Geelong Advertiser
Covers the response by a woman who had been subject to abuse via a facebook page, in which she says that she finds it hard to believe that people continue carrying such behaviours given the recent coverage on the negative impacts including suicide.
Call for suicide attention in Budget
03 June 2011, Adelaide Advertiser
Reports on calls by a state member of parliament in Adelaide calls for an independent suicide prevention coordinator.
Suicide stats of great concern
02 June 2011, The North West Star
Reports on the suicides within the local Queensland region of Mt Isa. The paper also lists a number of 24 hour services to contact for those needing help, which include telephone counselling and mental health.
Foundation takes a stand on GLBT mental health
02 June 2011, GayNZ.com
Reports on a new mental health and suicide prevention campaign that has been started by the New Zealand Mental Health Foundation. This campaign includes a youtube video. The article also includes information on the risk factors for people who identify as GLBT. The article published in the Journal of Homosexuality (that is referred to in this media report) can be accessed for free.
Brodie's law to get workplace bullies
01 June 2011, The Age
Reports on the passing of a tough workplace bullying law following on from the case of Brodie who completed suicide after being tormented in the workplace.
Journalists will get clearer guide for reporting suicides
23 May 2011, The Australian
The Australian Press Council will be considering a new version of guidelines for reporting on suicide next month, following the roundtable discussions.
Can a suicide scale predict the unpredictable?
23 May 2011, Psychiatric Times
Reports on a presentation given at the American Psychiatrist Association Conference about the efforts to develop a clinical tool to predict suicide risk.
More women 50 and older landing in ERs for drug-related suicide attempts
20 May 2011, ABC News (United States of America)
Reports on an increase in the number of women aged 50+ who have attempted suicide where prescription medication was involved.
Unions criticse WA welfare proposals
19 May 2011, ninemsn finance
Reports on concerns in WA about where the extra money for mental health and suicide prevention will be directed.
"Revolution" for non-profit sector
19 May 2011, WA Business News
Reports on WA government plans to increase funding to non-profit social and mental health services.
$6 million fast tracked to help stop suicides
18 May 2011, National Indigenous Times
Brief report on how some of the money allocated to the Taking Action to Tackle Suicide program is being fast-tracked to reduce suicide in Indigenous people in the Kimberley region.
Suicide rates call for action
16 May 2011, City News
Lifeline Brisbane joins the call for a national suicide prevention awareness campaign.
Team on brave ride to prevent suicide
12 May 2011, The West Australian
Reports on ride that a group of health professionals is undertaking to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.
Opening up on suicide
11 May 2011, Blue Mountains Gazette
Reports on local suicide prevention and bereavement meeting to be held in Faulconbridge, Thursday 19th May.
Overview of the budget's mental health announcements - and some preliminary reaction
10 May 2011, Croackey
Provides an overview of the $1.5 billion mental health committment made in the Budget 2011.
Ringwood footballers act on suicides
10 May 2011, Maroondah Leader
Reports on a community forum on suicide prevention that has been instigated by locally-based Victorian footbal team after two of its players completed suicide in the last 18 months.