FAST-rising rates of self-harm and ideas of suicide among young females have mental health leaders reiterating the vital need to better engage with youth in all communities.
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Women aged 15-19 are twice as likely to have ambulance attendance or hospitalisation from self-harm, self-injury and suicide thoughts than male counterparts the same age, according to new Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data.
While proportionally the suicide rate remains higher among males, AIHW deputy chief Matthew James said rising recorded self-harm rates among this young female cohort was a trend carrying on from before the pandemic.
Mr James said women aged 18 to 24 had the highest proportion of high or very high psychological distress in Australia and this matched reports from the United States of increasing anxiety among young females.
AIHW releases the data on Tuesday from the new National Ambulance Surveillance System drawing on numbers of call-outs to suicide attempts, suicide ideation and intentional self-injury. The records, collected from participating states including Victoria, aim to better inform national suicide prevention.
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Long-time Ballarat police youth resource officer Des Hudson, who also leads Ballarat and District Suicide Awareness Network in Victoria's Central Highlands, said the data showed a constant need to improve partnerships and how we reach out to each other.
Leading Senior Constable Hudson said this also showed a need to improve how we talk about resilience and what to do when someone says they were not okay.
History shows this always needs to be on our radar with young people finding their ways in family life and socially. It's about being aware of the signs if there are any signs.
- Des Hudson, Ballarat and District Suicide Awareness chairman
"We've been seeing young people over-represented in mental health data for a long time," Leading Senior Constable Hudson said. "History shows this always needs to be on our radar with young people finding their ways in family life and socially. It's about being aware of the signs if there are any signs."
National Mental Health Commission chief Christine Morgan said the rise in psychological distress among young people was concerning and an issue for everyone to be mindful about.
"We continue to be concerned about some of the sense of helplessness or losing hope that is among our young people," Ms Morgan said. "As I've called for before, I think it is important for those of us with a few decades behind us that who know we can get through these challenging times; to engage with young people to make sure this messaging is getting through."
If you or someone you know is in need of crisis support, help is available, but not limited to:
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Headspace Ballarat (for 12-25s and parental support): 5304 4777