Mental+Health+and+Suicide+-+'Is+Australia+Ok?'


 * Rochelle Kay**
 * n7586892**
 * Tutor: Katie Page**

= = =__**Artifact**__ =

R U OK Is a non-profit organisation whose aim is to increase national awareness of suicide prevention by encouraging Australians to have meaningful conversations with the people in their lives (R U OK, 2011). R U OK Day is a national day of action on every second Thursday of September in which it is encouraged for you to ask a friend “are you ok?”

=__**Public Health Issue**__ =

Suicide was the 14th leading cause of all deaths in Australia in 2009, however, 76.6% of those were males resulting in suicide being the 10th leading cause of death for males (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2009b). One factor that heavily influences suicide is mental illness as 10% of those with a mental illness die by suicide, an attempt of suicide can also indicate the development of a mental illness (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2007). The Australian Bureau of Statistics (2007) reported 45% of Australians have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lifetime. Not to mention the substantial human and economical costs suicide and mental illness have on the public health care system, these figures alone show the significance of this issue within the Australian context.

=__**Literatu**____**re Review**__ =

A mental illness is defined as “a clinically diagnosable disorder that significantly interferes with an individual's cognitive, emotional or social abilities” (Australian Government: Department of Health and Aging, 2003). Mental illnesses are commonly categorised into mood, anxiety and substance use disorders. People who suffer from mental illnesses have a high risk of suicide and suicidal behaviours as there is a significant association between suicidal behaviour and mental health problems (SANE Australia, 2011). It is estimated the rate of suicide amongst people suffering mental disorders is at least 7 times higher than the general population (SANE Australia, 2011).The Australian Bureau of Statistics (2007) reported 45% of Australians have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lifetime and 20% experience a mental illness each year. It was also reported 72% of those who experienced serious suicidal ideation had a mental disorder (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2009). Mental illnesses are more prevalent in younger age groups as 26% of people with a mental disorder are 16-24 years and another 25% affect people 25-34 years (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2007). Overall, mental illnesses affect women more than men (22% in comparison to 18%), which contrasts with the fact almost three quarters of suicides are males. This may also be because women are more likely than men to report and seek a service for mental health problems, which is consistent with the fact that in general, women are more likely than men to use health services (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2009a; 2006).

Men commit suicide at a higher, more volatile rate than women. In 2008, the male suicide rate was 16 deaths per 100,000 males in comparison to the female rate of 5 deaths per 100,000 females (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2010) . Young men, aged 20-24 years, are exceptionally susceptible to suicide with a rate of 19 suicides per 100,000 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2010). This high suicide rate could also be associated with the high prevalence of mental disorders in this age group previously mentioned. Unexpectedly, the highest rate of suicide was found in middle age men aged 40-44 years and men over the age of 85, with both having a suicide rate of 26 deaths per 100,000 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2010). Although there is less prevalence of mental illnesses within older age groups, a study by Ruzicka and Choi (1999) identified suicide mortality is significantly higher amongst non-married people. This is consistent with data by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2007) in which non-married people experienced more mental illnesses in comparison with married people (28% compared with 15%); however, this data is likely to be unrepresentative of the Australian population due to the number of young people in the survey. Divorce is also one of many factors that may influence suicide amongst older men. Ruzicka and Choi (1999) reported a suicide rate of 54 deaths per 100,000 divorced males in 1991-96, however, this data is outdated but a similar rate, if not lower, can be expected.

Research on suicide rates within metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas of Australia revealed those in non-metropolitan areas have higher suicide rates (Caldwell, Jorm, & Dear, 2004). Although those who live in major cities are 8% more likely to have experienced a mental illness in their lifetime, those living outside major cities are 66% more likely to die of suicide (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011). It has been suggested this higher suicide rate is due to the increased access of guns in rural areas. (Caldwell et al., 2004; Ruzicka & Choi, 1999; Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011). Suicide rates differ across the states and territories of Australia, although usually fluctuating over time (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2005a). Factors such as suicides in rural areas and the Indigenous population heavily influence suicide rates over Australia (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2005a). Tasmania’s suicide rate is 39% above the national rate, followed by Queensland and South Australia (14% over the national rate) possibly due to the amount of rural areas within these states (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2005a). New South Wales, ACT and Victoria all have suicide rates below the national rate which may be due to the large population living in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2005a).The Northern Territory has more than double the national rate of suicides which can be associated with the Indigenous population (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2005a). Aboriginal Australians have a higher risk of developing mental health disorders than the general population due to factors such as living in socioeconomic disadvantaged areas (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2005b). Indigenous Australians are hospitalised for mental and behaviour disorders up to twice as expected in comparison to other Australians (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2005b). Suicide/intentional self-harm is the leading cause of death for Indigenous males (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2005b).

In most cases, research on the issue of suicide is purely statistically based and little research is done on attempted suicide. Our knowledge of suicide is largely restricted as only fatal suicides are recorded, and attempted suicides or parasuicides are not recorded (Ruzicka & Choi, 1999). Ruzicka and Choi (1999) reported an estimated value of 10% of suicidal acts result in a fatal outcome. For every suicidal death, it has been estimated at least another 30 people attempted suicide (SANE Australia, 2011). Results from the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 1997, show women were about twice as likely as men to have a suicidal attempt, which is consistent with results from the same survey in 2007, in which 0.3% of men and 0.5% of women reported they had made a suicide attempt. However, this data was collected from a sample and it is unknown whether these figures accurately represent the population of Australia.

=__**Cultural and Social Analysis**__ =

When discussing the issue of suicide, it is important not to just focus on the mental health side, and to consider the sociological implications of the subject. In this case, Durkheim’s theory of suicide is of particular significance. Durkheim’s theory relates suicide directly to an individual’s level of social integration (Willis, Coombs, Cockerman & Frison, 2002; Durkeim & Simpson, 1951; Kushner & Sterk, 2005). Durkheim’s theory proposes suicide levels increase in times of societal change; radical changes in one’s life can often result in feelings of ‘meaninglessness’, ‘normlessness’ and ‘rootlessness’ is described as anomic suicide; isolation from societal groups is described as egoistic suicide; feelings of powerlessness, hopelessness, or when one feels there life has no meaning and there is no way to improvement is described as fatalistic suicide (Willis et al., 2002; Berk, 2006). Durkhiem’s anomic, egoistic and fatalistic suicide theories can also be linked to mental illnesses such as depression, as they can be common symptoms (SANE Australia, 2011).This link between suicide and social change can still be applied in modern times. As previously stated, men aged 20-24 years have a high suicide rate (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2010); this is an age bracket also likely to be experiencing social change, such as the transition from home to living alone, school to full time work, and so on (Hawton, 1998; Suicide: Prevention, Awareness and Support, 2011). A similar association can be related to the high suicide rates in middle aged men aged 40-44 years and men over the age of 85 previously mentioned (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2010). Divorce can be a common societal change among middle aged men and loss of spouse is a common change amongst men over 85 years (Suicide: Prevention, Awareness and Support, 2011).

The cultural concept of individualism versus collectivism can also be applied to the topic of mental health and suicide within Australia. Individualism refers to societies which emphasise on an “I” consciousness, their primary concern is on the individual (Fujimoto & Härtel, 2004; Yoo et al., 2009). In contrast, collectivism refers to societies where a “WE” consciousness is emphasised and value cohesion within the group (Fujimoto & Härtel, 2004; Yoo et al., 2009). Individualists predominately refer to western societies (e.g. Australia) and personal freedom, uniqueness and autonomy are valued (Fujimoto & Härtel, 2004; Yoo et al., 2009). On the other hand, collectivists are predominately eastern societies (e.g. East Asia and South America) and value interdependence (Fujimoto & Härtel, 2004). It has been suggested the rising rates of depression and suicide may be related to individualistic cultural values (Scott, Ciarrochi & Deane, 2004). Higher suicide rates were found in the most individualistic countries and the rising rates of depression in the USA has been associated to the increase in societal individualism (Scott et al., 2004). Highly individualistic societies were found to have less social support networks, poorer mental health indicators and low intentions to seek help (Scott et al., 2004). This can be linked to the high suicide rates within Australia as social support can be associated with lower levels of depression, stress and suicidal ideation (Scott et al., 2004).

=__Artifact Analysis__ =

The artefact highlights the significance of suicide and mental illnesses within Australia. R U OK Day is an effective way of increasing the awareness of mental illnesses and suicide Australia wide. In 2009, it was estimated 58% of Australians are aware of the national suicide prevention initiative and the R U OK organisation hope to continue increasing awareness (R U OK, 2011). Although it conveys a simple message, to ask a friend, “are you ok?” the underlying message is “a conversation could change a life” as social support is important for people experiencing a mental illness or suicide ideation. This artefact has encouraged myself to ask a friend, family member or peer when they look like they are feeling down “are you ok?” as just one conversation, could change a life.

=<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">__Learning Reflections__ =

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Before this unit, I had no idea how high the prevalence of mental disorders and suicide were within Australia. I am lucky to have not experienced a loved one suffer from a mental illness or commit suicide, however, if facing this in the future I feel I have the knowledge to deal with the situation.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">I am also amazed how such out of date theories, such as Derkheim’s theory of suicide, can be applied within modern day context and offer a different perspective on this issue.

=<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">__References__ = <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Australian Bureau of Statistics. (1997). //Mental Health and Wellbeing: Profile of Adults, Australia<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';">. // Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2005a). //Suicides, Australia.// Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2005b). //The Health and Welfare of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples//. Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2006). //2004-05 National Health Survey: Summary of Results//. Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2007). //National Survery of Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results.// Retrieved from @http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/4326.0Main%20Features22007?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=4326.0&issue=2007&num=&view

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2009a). //Australian Social Trends.// Retrieved from @http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4102.0Main+Features30March%202009

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2009b). //Causes of Death, Australia.// Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2010). //Measures of Australia’s Progress.// Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2011). //Australian Social Trends.// Retrieved from []

<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Australian Government: Department of Health and Aging. (2003). //National mental health plan 2003-2008.// Retrieved from <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;">[]

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Berk, B. B.(2006). Macro <span style="font-family: 'cambria math','serif'; font-size: 16px;">‐ <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Micro Relationships in Durkheim's Analysis of Egoistic Suicide. Sociological theory(0735-2751) //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">, 24 //<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">(1), 58-80. doi: 10.1111/j.0735-2751.2006.00264.x

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Caldwell, T. M., Jorm, A. F., & Dear, K. B. G. (2004). Suicide and mental health in rural, remote and metropolitan areas in Australia. //Medical journal of Australia, 181//(7), 10-14. Retrieved from: []

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">SANE Australia. (2011). Retrieved November 2, 2011 from []

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Durkheim, E., & Simpson, J. (1951). Suicide: A study in sociology [EBL version]. Retrieved from http://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=v23YleX1UskC&oi=fnd&pg=PA9&dq=eg oistic+suicide&ots=sXUIDYkaWk&sig=-YrL7Ai32e_zOqlLbGOaT4HkvWg#v=snippet&q=egoistic&f=false

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Fujimoto, Y., Härtel, C. E. J. (2004). Culturally specific prejudices: interpersonal prejudices of individualists and intergroup prejudices of collectivists. //Cross cultural management, 11//(3), 54-69. doi: <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; text-decoration: none;">[|10.1108/13527600410797846]

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Hawton, K(1998). Why has suicide increased in young males?. //Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';">(0227-5910), <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';">19 //(3), p.119-124. Retrieved from [|http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/ehost/detail?sid=9180e93c-e4c4-457f-b2a4-7c76cdf1ef11%40sessionmgr114&vid=1&hid=112&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=pdh&AN=cri-19-3-119]

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Kushner, H. I., Sterk, C. E.(2005). The limits of social capital: Durkheim, suicide, and social cohesion. American journal of public health(0090-0036)//, <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';">95 //(7),1139-1143. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2004.053314

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">R U OK. (2011). Retrieved November 2, 2011 from []

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Ruzicka, L. & Choi, C. Y. (1999). Youth suicide in Australia. //Journal of population research, 16//(1), 29-46. doi: <span class="value" style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">10.1007/BF03029453

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Suicide: Prevention, Awareness and Support. (2011). Retrieved November 2, 2011 from []

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Willis, L. A., Coombs, D. W., Cockerman, W. C. & Frison, S. L.(2002). Ready to die: a postmodern interpretation of the increase of African-American adolescent male suicide. Social science & medicine(0277-9536)//, <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';">55 //(6), 907-920. doi: 10.1016/S0277-9536(01)00235-0

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Yoo, S. H., Safdar, S., Friendlmeier, W., Matsumoto, D., Kwantes, C. T., Kakai, H., & Shigemasu, E.(2009). Variations of emotional display rules within and across cultures: A comparison between Canada, USA, and Japan. Canadian journal of behavioural science(0008-400X)//, <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';">41 //(1), 1-10. Retrieved from []

=<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">__Discussions__ =

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">"Can you feel the pain if you were me?" by Yee Ying WONG

<span style="color: #313131; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Very unique choice of topic, made for an interesting read. I was actually shocked that this even exists as i have not come across this before, i think my mouth was open thw whole way through reading this. Love your choice of artifact as it represents your topic perfectly. It's horrible to think girls so young can be effected by this and the physical and mental side effects that come with it.

<span style="color: #313131; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Good Work!

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">"Boots, Ball and.... Bra? Women in Sport" by Livana White

<span style="color: #313131; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Interesting read, you make some very good points. Its sad that girls participation is so low, I remember majority of girls would rather get a lunchtime detention than to participate in touch footy with the boys during pe classes and this leads to them not gaining any of the skills (as usually when girls do participate, the boys never pass the ball to the girls). Current obesity rates are shocking, I would love to see schools with mixed pe class use more gender neutral sports or sports that the girls can excel at. Would love to see you expand more of the sexism within sport as your artifact is a good representation of this (i still can't believe LFL is a real thing....)

<span style="color: #313131; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Good Work

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">"Social Media and Gen Y's Health" by Tim Long

<span style="color: #313131; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Great topic, i can see you have researched the topic well. I love how you have linked the increase in technology and social media with the obesity issue, you have made some excellent points. Was an interesting read, good job! :)