CEO Update: Winter solstice a time for reflection, connection and renewal
As the winter solstice approaches this Friday, communities across Australia will recognise the day in a variety of ways from bonfires to naked swims. In the regional New South Wales town of Albury, the 21st of June has an even more profound significance.
Marking the longest night of the year, Survivors of Suicide & Friends hosts the Winter Solstice event, bringing together the community in commemoration of those who have died by suicide. It’s a night to remember, reflect, and cherish loved ones lost.
Traditionally the winter solstice is a time associated with renewal: as the longest night of the year passes it is symbolic of hope and brighter days ahead.
Yet for many people living in regional and rural Australia, the days can seem to be dark with limited access to mental health services, scarce resources and a shortage of mental health professionals. These issues create barriers that can leave the people in need isolated and unsupported.
According to data shared by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the age-standardised rates of suicide are higher for people living outside of major cities, and increase as the remoteness of location increases.
Along with the lack of availability of mental health services in regional and rural areas, other factors such as the rising cost-of-living crisis are putting pressure on people outside of major cities.
Mental Health Australia’s 2023 Report to the Nation shows that those in regional and remote areas feel significantly less confident about meeting monthly living expenses (54 per cent down from 61 per cent in 2022).
The latest Suicide Prevention Australia Community Tracker also reveals cost-of-living was also a main cause of elevated distress amongst people reporting suicidal behaviours (58 per cent), as well as from those seeking help from frontline suicide prevention services (54 per cent), and clinical services (64 per cent).
Events such as Winter Solstice shine a light on these challenges and keep the conversation about suicide and mental health in the spotlight. They also highlight the importance of connections within our communities as part of the healing process.
In the lead-up to the next Federal Election, we hope the Australian Government takes part in these conversations with the community and listens to people with lived and living experiences to ensure those in regional Australia – and all Australians, are getting the support they need.
By coming together and advocating for change, we can ensure that the light stays shining on a more equitable mental health system, and connected communities, especially on the darkest days.
Carolyn Nikoloski
CEO, Mental Health Australia
If this CEO Update has raised any issues, these services can help:
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
- 13 YARN 13 92 76
- MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78
- Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.
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