The DSG (Diverse Sexuality and Gender) community was well represented at the third annual World Suicide Prevention Day Community Forum, held at the State Library of WA on September 10.

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A panel of speakers including Dani Wright from the Freedom Centre and Jaye Edwards from Uniting Care West’s True Colours program spoke on the forum’s key themes, Help Seeking and Isolation.

The True Colours program works to build safe and inclusive regional communities for DSG young people, their family and friends, through community education and professional development.

According to Ms Edwards, while the isolation of rural areas increases suicide risk factors in general, the risks are further increased for people with diverse sexuality and gender.

‘The sexuality issue is exacerbated because of the level of homophobia in rural communities, and research has indicated that the smaller and the more isolated the rural community, the more homophobic it is,’ she said.

True Colours also deals with issues of emotional isolation, in which young people isolate themselves from others due to fear.

‘In the early stages of coming-out you have people who are fearful of rejection and they make the assumption that homophobia is ubiquitous, so they don’t disclose to anybody and make the assumption that everyone is going to reject them and is homophobic so they don’t actually create any emotion or intimacy and completely withdraw,’ said Ms Edwards.

Isolation is not necessarily limited to physical or emotional distance; the Freedom Centre helps young people overcome social isolation.

‘We make it easier for DSG young people to get help from their peers by providing a safe space for them to meet each other and build their social support networks,’ said Ms Wright.

‘This reduces their social isolation, which is a key risk factor for suicide and other mental health issues.

‘By reducing their social isolation we are reducing the likelihood of suicide and enhancing their social and mental wellbeing.’

Ms Wright spoke to the forum about the importance of seeking help when struggling with mental health issues, saying too many people wait until times of crisis to act.

‘It’s important for all of us to understand that seeking help, especially for our mental health, is something we should all do everyday – whether it’s helping ourselves by giving ourselves the time to de-stress, asking for a loved ones’ help by venting or chatting about our troubles.’

The Freedom Centre operates on a peer based model, and while staff are able to refer young people to appropriate mental health and counselling services, often the best help comes from friends and family.

‘There’s a common myth that someone who talks about suicide or not wanting to live is “just attention seeking” – one of the things we can do with our friends, family and community members, is to take notice if someone says something about suicide or suicidal thoughts and ask them why they feel like that, listen to their thoughts and troubles and help them to find a service that can support them to feel better about their lives.’

Photos courtesy of Suicide Prevention Australia

Freedom Centre:
9228 0354
www.freedom.org.au

True Colours:
0409 373 922
truecolours@unitingcarewest.org.au

GLCS Counselling Line (7-10pm weeknights):
9420 7201

Lifeline (24 hours):
13 11 14

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