Summary
Highlights
Dr. Vicky Ross presents research on workplace bullying, mental health, and suicidality among apprentices in the construction industry. This research, in collaboration with Mates in Construction, built on earlier findings showing high suicide rates in this sector. Qualitative focus groups revealed widespread bullying and anxiety among apprentices. A large-scale online survey of Queensland apprentices found alarmingly high rates of suicidal thoughts (35%) and bullying (30%) in the past 12 months. Bullying was associated with lower well-being and higher psychological distress. These findings emphasize the urgent need for tailored interventions to address bullying and support mental health in this vulnerable group, with AISRAP developing an evaluation strategy for upcoming intervention programs.
The event celebrates 25 years of the School of Applied Psychology and AISRAP, the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it's a virtual event with over 600 registrants globally. Dignitaries are acknowledged, and the agenda includes discussions on AISRAP's research, reflections from former directors, lessons from the Queensland Suicide Register, research on apprentices and suicide, suicide education, and debunking suicide myths.
Kari Kolves provides an overview of AISRAP's history, major activities, and achievements over 25 years. The institute's origin traces back to 1986 with suicides at the Gateway Bridge, leading to the establishment of the Queensland Suicide Register (QSR). Professor Diego de Leo's 18-year directorship significantly shaped AISRAP. Key activities include the QSR, which became a real-time surveillance system, and the development of postgraduate programs in suicidology. AISRAP also established the Life Promotion Clinic in 2004, a specialized outpatient service for individuals at high risk of suicide, and became a WHO collaborating center.
Professor Diego de Leo reflects on his 18 years as director of AISRAP. He highlights the early days with a small team and the unique Queensland Suicide Register. His involvement with the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) led to the launch of the SUPRE program and World Suicide Prevention Day in 2003. He also discusses the creation of the first clinical service for suicidal individuals, the Life Promotion Clinic, and the establishment of postgraduate courses. A notable achievement was the fencing of the Story Bridge, which significantly reduced suicides from the site.
Dr. Stuart Leske details the Queensland Suicide Register (QSR) and its uses. The QSR holds detailed data from 1990 to 2017, with an interim register (IQSR) providing more recent insights. The QSR has been instrumental in identifying suicide trends, particularly among children aged 9-14 and LGBTQ+ individuals. It has also highlighted discrepancies with ABS data, reporting a higher number of suspected suicides. The QSR has been crucial in evaluating interventions, such as the Story Bridge fencing, which resulted in an 87.2% decrease in suicides from the location. Recent data indicates varying trends in suicide rates across genders and among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Jacinta Hawgood (Griffith University) and Ingrid Ozols (Melbourne) discuss the 20-year journey of postgraduate suicide prevention programs. Established in 2001, the Graduate Certificate in Suicide Prevention Studies and later the Master of Suicidology were world-firsts, aiming for a 360-degree understanding of suicide. The programs evolved from on-campus to fully online to enhance accessibility. Guest lecturers and a strong curriculum advisory committee ensured a multidisciplinary approach, integrating science, lived experience, and community needs. Alumni highlight the programs' immense professional and personal impact, providing credibility and a comprehensive knowledge base for diverse roles in suicide prevention policy, advocacy, and crisis support. Ingrid Ozols shares her deeply personal journey, emphasizing the program's life-changing affirmation and its role in helping her address shame and pain related to suicide.
Jacinta Hawgood and Jorgen Gullestrup discuss common myths surrounding suicide. They address the historical perception of suicide, from being considered heroic in antiquity to a sin, a crime, and eventually a mental illness. Contrary to the myth that suicide is always linked to mental illness, the Queensland Suicide Register shows only about 50% of cases involve a diagnosed mental illness, and in Asia, this figure is around 40%. They also debunk the myth that talking about suicide causes it. Research and lived experience confirm that asking about suicide does not cause harm but can offer relief and open pathways to help. The discussion emphasizes the importance of evidence-based, compassionate, and solution-focused dialogue about suicide, steering clear of sensationalism while promoting understanding and support.