Many of us find talking about mental health deeply uncomfortable. But we need to get over our discomfort and start having honest conversations about life’s challenges if we want to reduce Australia’s suicide rates.
In 2014 Australia lost 2864 lives to suicide, These were daughters, sons, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and friends. The loss of these irreplaceable lives produces devastating impacts for families, friends, communities and our nation.
Black Star presenter Greg Reid interviewed Dr Louise Byrne a lecturer from Rockhampton’s CQ University. After a decade of traumatic mental illness treatment, confusion and pain. Ms Byrne recently told Rockhampton’s local paper The Morning Bulletin, she had suffered from stress and distress for most of her life but through the ongoing support of her family and friends and by never giving up hope. Ms Byrne said she has a new lease on life.
CQ University Dr Louise Byrne
CQ University academic Ms Byrne has turned her life around and is now is at the frontline of an award-winning new mental health nursing program which has a different approach to the traditional ‘take your medicine’ mantra.
CQ University’s Mental Health Nursing Program connects nursing students with teachers that have a ‘lived experience’ of mental illness. Ms Byrne and her colleagues were honoured for ‘leading the way in Australia and internationally’ for ‘consumer involvement in mental health nursing education and research’ with a prestigious 2013 Open Minds Mental Health Week Award in October.
Her harrowing past is now an invaluable resource for the future as she teaches the next generation of mental health nurses to help service users control their own healing.
LISTEN TO FULL INTERVIEW HERE
WHO CAN HELP?
Contact to your local Aboriginal Medical Service or GP
Or contact any of these support services for free and confidential advice
Lifeline 13 11 14 or http://www.lifeline.org.au 24 hour Counselling, information and referral
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 Counselling and Information service available 24 Hours
Kids helpline 1800 55 1800 or http://www.kidshelp.com.au Counselling people aged between five and 25
MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78 or http://www.menslineaus.org.au Support for men
beyondblue 1300 224 636 Support Service Support. Advice. Action
QRAM 
My own brother was affected by mental health issues, and took a lot of flak at school from it which is something I struggle to not get angry about. My little bro took his life, he was only 15. I wish we had answers, it’s very hard seeing our mum hurt so much