Last week Lachlan and I produced a video for “Are you OK day”. This is a subject that is very close to my heart as people who I have known have suffered from the dreadful situation of feeling ‘there is no way out other than suicide’. It breaks my heart every time I hear of another life closing down due to this dreadful condition.
In my line of work as an Insurance Adviser, I frequently come across clients who have been through depression and or anxiety, and recent research suggested that suicide exclusion periods for a policy should be increased to 3 years due to the high incidence of death by suicide in the first few years of holding an insurance policy!
Suicide is a community problem which requires a community response, and we all need to take responsibility and check on our mates/ family/acquaintances if we think there may be an issue.
Suicide remains the leading cause of deaths for Australian males aged 25-44 according to the Bureau of Statistics. This can be avoided, be aware to recognise the signs and take some affirmative action.
Coping strategies recommended by Suicide Prevention Australia include: sleep, talking with friends or family, talking to a psychologist or counselor, or ringing a crisis line such as LifeLine on 13 11 14.
If you think someone you know may be in trouble, please ask them – ‘ARE YOU OK?’
The information contained on this website has been provided as general advice only. The contents have been prepared without taking account of your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should, before you make any decision regarding any information, strategies or products mentioned on this website, consult your own financial adviser to consider whether that is appropriate having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.