A local response team is urging residents to seek help if they need and to have responsible conversations around mental health.
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Their comments come as rates of self-harm presentations to MLHD emergency departments are rising.
In the 12 months to April 30, 2021, there were 2647 presentations of self-harm within the Murrumbidgee Local Health District. This is compared to 2560 in the 12 months to April 30, 2020.
The rate is also increasing for young people aged 25 years and under.
In the 12 months to April 30, 2021, 306 young people were hospitalised for self-harm in the MLHD compared to 282 in the 12 months to April 30, 2020.
A NSW Health spokesperson said any loss of life is a tragedy and they acknowledge the profound trauma being felt by the residents of Riverina following recent deaths.
"Rates of self-harm have been increasing worldwide among young people for the last 10 years, and the same pattern is seen across Australia," the spokesperson said.
"The reasons self-harming behaviour develops are complex. People in distress require compassionate and holistic responses from our mental health system.
"Connecting people who are engaging in self-harm with services early can prevent suicides."
Suicide rates are consistently higher in rural and regional areas of Australia than in capital cities, and the same pattern is seen in NSW.
ABS data for Wagga between 2014 to 18 shows there are approximately 16 suicides a year, with an age-standardised death rate of 16.6 per 100,000 population.
This is compared to 11.1 per 100,000 population for NSW and 12.4 per 100,000 population for Australia.
The Murrumbidgee Local Response Group is formed by leaders from the MLHD, Wellways After Suicide Support Service, the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, and police.
This group has been working with the community to offer support to the families and loved ones, including messaging to young people to prevent and respond to suicide and how to survive suicidal feelings and crises.
MPHN senior manager mental health drug and alcohol Anita McRae said following a critical incident or suicide, the group provides a coordinated response.
She explained the first priority is ensuring that people get it as soon as possible.
"We are working with partners to make sure schools are supported and the broader community is supported," Ms McRae said.
"[It's also about] ensuring that no harm is done by unintentional unsafe messaging whether that's in the media or by social media."
Ella Fyfe from Wellways After Suicide Support Service said they continue to work with various agencies to help the community.
She also urged the community when talking about the issue to do so responsibly.
"It's making sure that the things we share are focused on how people can get support, so those help-seeking messages," Ms Fyfe said.
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"So not focusing on individual methods, locations or particular people but talking about the issue more broadly and how people can get help. Mindframe is really good to draw from."
Kristen Douglas, head of headspace Schools, said it was essential to recognise that suicide is rarely the result of a single event or factor.
"It is a complex and multifaceted issue and the result of a person's unique circumstances alongside a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors," she said.
"In partnership with multiple local agencies, schools, and the sector, headspace is working to promote help-seeking, connect families and young people to services, monitor reduce risk and communicate helpful evidence-based information."
Ms Douglas said that families play a critical role in supporting young people through challenging times.
"We're encouraging friends and family of young people to become familiar with a three-step process, to Notice, Inquire and Provide," she explained.
"This allows friends and family to notice changes in behaviour, learn helpful ways to check in and navigate support for young people.
"For parents and carers, we understand talking about suicide can be scary and challenging. It's important to be guided by the young person's needs, providing them with information and avenues of support, and encourage them to ask for help if they need it."
Ms Douglas said it's also vital that parents and carers model and practice self-care and ensure they have supports in place to look after themselves.
She explained that when speaking about suicide, it is crucial to do so openly and honestly.
Ms Douglas said parents could reassure their young person they are in a safe space to express their feelings, and you are there for them when and if they are ready to talk, whenever that might be.
"If parents or carers are concerned about their young person's reaction and behaviour, it is important to seek out additional information and support," she said.
"The headspace website has many resources for young people and can also connect them with help through headspace centres or through our online and phone counselling service, eheadspace.
"For those seeking further information on how they can support their young person, headspace in partnership with local agencies will be running several parent and carer sessions in the Wagga community over the coming weeks."
NSW Health said if someone is in a crisis, they should always call Triple Zero or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
"We encourage people to access support before a situation becomes a crisis," the spokesperson said.
"Please call the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 for referrals to local mental health services, including to the Griffith community mental health team, which has 27 specialists, including child and adolescent and youth mental health clinicians and psychologists.
If reading this story has impacted you in anyway please reach out to:
- Murrumbidgee AccessLine 1800 800 944
- Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
- headspace 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au
- ReachOut via au.reachout.com
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