The You Are Not Alone website has been created by national mental health charity SANE Australia together with research partners University of New England and the University of Sydney, and is being disseminated locally by the Country SA PHN (CSAPHN). You Are Not Alone gives information and tools to carers throughout the stages of supporting someone who has attempted suicide, or who is at risk of doing so. The non-linear navigation allows people to find advice that is relevant to them at any time during their carer journey.
SANE Australia CEO Jack Heath says this online tool is especially relevant in this time of uncertainty due to COVID-19. There is a real risk of increased suicide attempts due to deteriorating economic circumstances and resources to support carers will be more important than ever, no matter how long they’ve been caring for someone. Heath explains that during and immediately after a suicide attempt, it’s natural to want to gather as much information as possible to help the person you care about, but it’s also important to look after yourself too.
“When someone close to you has suicidal thoughts or attempts suicide, it can be hard to respond to their needs while also looking after yourself. The You Are Not Alone website contains information to support this mostly unacknowledged support system of care-givers through a hugely difficult time,” Mr Heath said.
The voices and stories of carers were instrumental in developing the resource and are a key feature of the website. Their lived experience serves as a reminder that although there is no single way to respond to or support someone after they’ve attempted suicide, there are many who have been through this situation.
SANE peer ambassador Jo Buchanan lost a nephew to suicide and is a carer for her son who has attempted to take his own life on several occasions. Reflecting on her experiences Jo says one of the most important things for people in this situation to remember is that there are others going through a similar thing. “I remember feeling so isolated, so alone and with no idea of where or who I could turn to for support and information.
I believe that caring for the carers is very important and this website will help people take the next step and understand that they are not alone,” Jo said.
Sandra is also a SANE peer ambassador based in Adelaide and is a carer for her husband who was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2003 and tried to take his own life 2 years ago.
Sandra says her experience following his suicide attempt left her feeling like she was floundering and abandoned, with no direction on how to navigate the system or advice on how to provide care for him and her family. “Carers play a significant role in the recovery of people who have attempted suicide yet the resources to support them are severely lacking,” she said.
“I didn’t even receive a pamphlet from a social worker, wasn’t referred to a support group and no one recognised the trauma that me and my extended family were experiencing.
It’s pleasing to see these shortcomings are starting to be addressed, and that resources such as the You Are Not Alone website are available for those who are left to pick up the pieces and provide relevant information at different stages of their lived experience.” CSAPHN Chief Executive Officer, Kim Hosking, says he is pleased to be able to support SANE to disseminate this much needed resource throughout country South Australia.
“Loved ones and carers have long played an important but under resourced role in suicide prevention.
You Are Not Alone will help to support carers in this significant role and importantly provide them with tailored support and education,” Mr Hosking said.
“You Are Not Alone will help carers to tackle the isolation many can feel and to look after themselves in order to help others.”
You Are Not Alone is the final product of the Better Support project, led by SANE Australia with funding support from the Grenet Merrin Foundation and The Ian Potter Foundation. The project’s research partners, University of New England and the University of Sydney, conducted the initial research phase which involved a survey of more than 750 respondents, further qualitative interviews with 32 participants and two ‘think tank’ sessions with people who had cared for someone after they had attempted suicide.
Visit sane.org/you-are-not-alone for more information. #YouAreNotAlone
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You are not alone is an evidence-based resource designed for adults who care for a family member, loved one, friend, colleague or acquaintance who has attempted, or is at risk of attempting, suicide. The website is a one-stop source of information and advice for navigating this situation. The resource is designed to complement existing local suicide-prevention efforts. It draws on both the input of people with lived experience and research evidence around how best to support people who might be caring for a loved one following a suicide attempt.
Australia is a national mental health charity dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of people affected by complex mental health issues. We work to support the more than four million Australians affected by complex mental health issues including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, complex trauma and severe depression and anxiety.
Country SA PHN (CSAPHN) is responsible for commissioning Commonwealth directed funding for primary health services throughout regional South Australia. It is the health network responsible for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery while improving the coordination of patient care.
Established by the Australian Government, CSAPHN exists to bridge the gap of health inequity and access in rural South Australia by building a collaborative and responsive health care system. CSAPHN covers 99.8% of the state geographically, incorporating approximately 30% of South Australia’s total population.
The University of New England (UNE) is a public university in Australia with approximately 22,500 higher education students. Its original and main campus is located in the city of Armidale in northern central New South Wales. UNE was the first Australian university established outside a state capital city.
The University of Sydney (USYD, or informally Sydney Uni) is an Australian public research university in Sydney, Australia. Founded in 1850, it is Australia's first university and is regarded as one of the world's leading universities. The university comprises nine faculties and university schools, through which it offers bachelor, master and doctoral degrees.
