Author: Wan Kerr

Local Psychologist Annette Yunus talks about the difficult topic of suicide

Without a doubt, mental health plays a major role in someone’s decision to suicide, says Annette Yunus.

However it is important to note that self harm, alcohol and drug abuse are also three of the highest risk factors.

Generally those who attempt suicide have lost all hope and cannot see a bright future for themselves. Other contributing factors can be the breakdown of the family unit where families are scattered due to employment and lifestyle, leaving some people feeling alone and vulnerable.

(more…)

Gillian Bramley-Moore talks to Tobias Cole about mob mentality and St Matthew Passion

Micah Projects and the BHSC show their commitment to closing the gap

Over 120 locals gathered at the Brisbane Homelessness Service Centre, 52 Peel Street West End, to address Indigenous health issues.The event took place as part of the national ‘Close the Gap’ campaign, initiated by Oxfam Australia, designed to raise indigenous health issues across the nation.

Currently, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities experience an average life expectancy of up to 17 years less than other Australians.

Local elder, Uncle Des Sandy says the campaign is a fantastic way to unite the community to spread the message. “There are no strangers here, only people we have not met,” he says.

As well as enjoying live entertainment and fresh food, participants were encouraged to sign a pledge, promising their commitment to the Close the Gap campaign. Oxfam Australia says that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience higher rates of preventable illness such as heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes.

The campaign calls on the Australian government to achieve Indigenous health equality within 25 years. Oxfam says long-term investment in Indigenous health and the address of social issues such as poor housing, nutrition, employment and education is key.

Greater Metro South Brisbane project officer, Colleen Lavelle, discussed health improvement strategies for effected communities.

“The main thing is working with GPs to enable better health outcomes. We all need to maintain our health for the sake of futures generations,” she says.

BHSC Social Coordinator Tony Robertson agrees. “Closing the gap is achievable. We’ve got strategies and individuals commitment to address the issues inhibiting all Australians from leading full and rich lives,” says Mr Robertson.

The ‘Close the Gap’ campaign has attracted over 130 000 Australians since 2006. For more information, visit the Oxfam website https://www.oxfam.org.au/explore/indigenous-australia/close-the-gap/

Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom to grant six Peacewomen awards

In her twenty years at the Murri Ministry, Ravina Waldren has accompanied many families through times of sorrow and times of joy, has worked towards reconciliation and actively campaigned to prevent Aboriginal deaths in custody. For her important work in the local community, she is going to be honoured with a WILPF Peacewomen Award. (more…)

Amelia Ahern visits a Close The Gap Day Event in West End.

AOver 120 locals gathered at the Brisbane Homelessness Service Centre, 52 Peel Street West End, to address Indigenous health issues.

The event took place as part of the national ‘Close the Gap’ campaign, initiated by Oxfam Australia, designed to raise indigenous health issues across the nation.

Currently, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities experience an average life expectancy of up to 17 years less than other Australians.

Local elder, Uncle Des Sandy says the campaign is a fantastic way to unite the community to spread the message. “There are no strangers here, only people we have not met,” he says.

As well as enjoying live entertainment and fresh food, participants were encouraged to sign a pledge, promising their commitment to the Close the Gap campaign. Oxfam Australia says that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience higher rates of preventable illness such as heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes.

The campaign calls on the Australian government to achieve Indigenous health equality within 25 years. Oxfam says long-term investment in Indigenous health and the address of social issues such as poor housing, nutrition, employment and education is key.

Greater Metro South Brisbane project officer, Colleen Lavelle, discussed health improvement strategies for effected communities.

“The main thing is working with GPs to enable better health outcomes. We all need to maintain our health for the sake of futures generations,” she says.

BHSC Social Coordinator Tony Robertson agrees. “Closing the gap is achievable. We’ve got strategies and individuals commitment to address the issues inhibiting all Australians from leading full and rich lives,” says Mr Robertson.

The ‘Close the Gap’ campaign has attracted over 130 000 Australians since 2006. For more information, visit the Oxfam website https://www.oxfam.org.au/explore/indigenous-australia/close-the-gap/

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Without a doubt, mental health plays a major role in someone’s decision to suicide, says Annette Yunus.

However it is important to note that self harm, alcohol and drug abuse are also three of the highest risk factors.

Generally those who attempt suicide have lost all hope and cannot see a bright future for themselves. Other contributing factors can be the breakdown of the family unit where families are scattered due to employment and lifestyle, leaving some people feeling alone and vulnerable.

Annette Yunus is a psychologist who has been working with those who have attempted suicide for over 14 years at West End Medical Practice, 38 Russell Street, West End, and has seen many situations exacerbated by drug abuse.

Annette went on to say that “people who are depressed and suicide tend to have faulty negative thinking patterns such as black and white thinking, where thoughts are processed in absolute with no grey area or magnification, which means allowing minor incidents to snow ball into major catastrophes.

Other major contributing factors for suicide Annette has experienced have been: failure to achieve; relationship break ups; Domestic violence and the suicide of a partner or friend.

Annette is a great believer that prevention is better than a cure and feels that people need to learn to recognise the signs of depression and anxiety, before a crisis point is reached.

It can be hard for someone with depression to identify the issue, which is where family and friends need to be supportive and encourage them to seek professional help. Antidepressants have their place, but it is better for the person to learn strategies to help themselves.

Are you Stressed, Anxious or Depressed?

For Westender readers who are concerned about their psychological well-being, Anne recommends the standard DASS21 self-appraisal questionnaire, a copy of which is attached to this article.

Simply fill out the form and send it to Annette via the email address westend.survey@gmail.com, and Annette will contact you to discuss your scores. There is no charge for this initial contact.

LINK TO ACYunus dass 21.doc

Annette is a health provider for Medicare, Allied Health, Bupa, Medibank Private and other health insurers under their Extras tables, and can be contacted at the West End Practice on 07 3846 4888 or her mobile 0406 561 757