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The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is urging Australians to look out for their mates, families and neighbours this R U OK? Day, as figures highlight the disparity in suicide rates between metropolitan and remote Australia.
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows the suicide rate in remote and very remote Australia is almost two-and-a-half times the rate in major cities.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says the figures are a reminder of why starting a conversation matters.
“Behind every one of those statistics is a person, a family, a group of mates and often an entire community,” Dr Martin says.
“Those of us who live and work in rural communities know how closely connected they are. When someone is struggling, and particularly when a life is lost, the impact can reach right across a town.
“R U OK? Day gives us a reason to ask a simple question – but we shouldn’t wait for one day of the year to ask it.
“If someone doesn’t seem themselves, trust your instincts. Ask how they’re going, give them the time to answer and really listen to what they have to say.”
Dr Martin says people living outside major cities can face additional challenges including distance, isolation and more limited access to mental health services.
“That’s why having Rural Generalist doctors living and working in rural and remote communities matters,” Dr Martin says.
“Rural Generalists often care for people and families over many years. They know their communities and have the skills to provide support close to home when people need it.
“Rural people are resilient, but resilience doesn’t mean dealing with everything on your own.
“Sometimes talking to a mate, family member or colleague can make an enormous difference, and can be the first step towards getting some extra help.
“If someone you care about is struggling, encourage them to talk to their Rural Generalist, GP or another health professional.
“And importantly, check in again. A phone call, a message or dropping by for a cuppa lets someone know they’re still on your mind.
“Distance should never be a reason to struggle alone.”
If you or someone you know needs urgent crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. If life is in immediate danger, call 000.
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows the suicide rate in remote and very remote Australia is almost two-and-a-half times the rate in major cities.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says the figures are a reminder of why starting a conversation matters.
“Behind every one of those statistics is a person, a family, a group of mates and often an entire community,” Dr Martin says.
“Those of us who live and work in rural communities know how closely connected they are. When someone is struggling, and particularly when a life is lost, the impact can reach right across a town.
“R U OK? Day gives us a reason to ask a simple question – but we shouldn’t wait for one day of the year to ask it.
“If someone doesn’t seem themselves, trust your instincts. Ask how they’re going, give them the time to answer and really listen to what they have to say.”
Dr Martin says people living outside major cities can face additional challenges including distance, isolation and more limited access to mental health services.
“That’s why having Rural Generalist doctors living and working in rural and remote communities matters,” Dr Martin says.
“Rural Generalists often care for people and families over many years. They know their communities and have the skills to provide support close to home when people need it.
“Rural people are resilient, but resilience doesn’t mean dealing with everything on your own.
“Sometimes talking to a mate, family member or colleague can make an enormous difference, and can be the first step towards getting some extra help.
“If someone you care about is struggling, encourage them to talk to their Rural Generalist, GP or another health professional.
“And importantly, check in again. A phone call, a message or dropping by for a cuppa lets someone know they’re still on your mind.
“Distance should never be a reason to struggle alone.”
If you or someone you know needs urgent crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. If life is in immediate danger, call 000.
All news
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is urging Australians to look out for their mates, families and neighbours this R U OK? Day, as figures highlight the disparity in suicide rates between metropolitan and remote Australia.
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows the suicide rate in remote and very remote Australia is almost two-and-a-half times the rate in major cities.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says the figures are a reminder of why starting a conversation matters.
“Behind every one of those statistics is a person, a family, a group of mates and often an entire community,” Dr Martin says.
“Those of us who live and work in rural communities know how closely connected they are. When someone is struggling, and particularly when a life is lost, the impact can reach right across a town.
“R U OK? Day gives us a reason to ask a simple question – but we shouldn’t wait for one day of the year to ask it.
“If someone doesn’t seem themselves, trust your instincts. Ask how they’re going, give them the time to answer and really listen to what they have to say.”
Dr Martin says people living outside major cities can face additional challenges including distance, isolation and more limited access to mental health services.
“That’s why having Rural Generalist doctors living and working in rural and remote communities matters,” Dr Martin says.
“Rural Generalists often care for people and families over many years. They know their communities and have the skills to provide support close to home when people need it.
“Rural people are resilient, but resilience doesn’t mean dealing with everything on your own.
“Sometimes talking to a mate, family member or colleague can make an enormous difference, and can be the first step towards getting some extra help.
“If someone you care about is struggling, encourage them to talk to their Rural Generalist, GP or another health professional.
“And importantly, check in again. A phone call, a message or dropping by for a cuppa lets someone know they’re still on your mind.
“Distance should never be a reason to struggle alone.”
If you or someone you know needs urgent crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. If life is in immediate danger, call 000.
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows the suicide rate in remote and very remote Australia is almost two-and-a-half times the rate in major cities.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says the figures are a reminder of why starting a conversation matters.
“Behind every one of those statistics is a person, a family, a group of mates and often an entire community,” Dr Martin says.
“Those of us who live and work in rural communities know how closely connected they are. When someone is struggling, and particularly when a life is lost, the impact can reach right across a town.
“R U OK? Day gives us a reason to ask a simple question – but we shouldn’t wait for one day of the year to ask it.
“If someone doesn’t seem themselves, trust your instincts. Ask how they’re going, give them the time to answer and really listen to what they have to say.”
Dr Martin says people living outside major cities can face additional challenges including distance, isolation and more limited access to mental health services.
“That’s why having Rural Generalist doctors living and working in rural and remote communities matters,” Dr Martin says.
“Rural Generalists often care for people and families over many years. They know their communities and have the skills to provide support close to home when people need it.
“Rural people are resilient, but resilience doesn’t mean dealing with everything on your own.
“Sometimes talking to a mate, family member or colleague can make an enormous difference, and can be the first step towards getting some extra help.
“If someone you care about is struggling, encourage them to talk to their Rural Generalist, GP or another health professional.
“And importantly, check in again. A phone call, a message or dropping by for a cuppa lets someone know they’re still on your mind.
“Distance should never be a reason to struggle alone.”
If you or someone you know needs urgent crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. If life is in immediate danger, call 000.