Why ‘Mangrove’ House?
January 7, 2022
Content warning – this post discusses suicidal feelings.
Suicidal behaviour, defined as thinking about or planning to take one’s own life (suicidal ideation) or attempting suicide, is understood to be experienced by 1 in 6 (16.7% or around 3.3 million) Australians aged 16–85 (ABS 2022). Understanding its prevalence may help to reduce stigma and increase help-seeking behaviour. It can also just be nice to know you are not alone if it happens to you or a loved one. It’s a sign that you need to reach out.
While thinking about suicide is common, not everyone goes on to develop a suicide plan or take their own lives. Despite this, it is important that any person seeking assistance be taken seriously. Making time to talk through these experiences with a professional allows individuals to create a safety plan, build a supportive network, work through underlying challenges and move through the thoughts and urges in an effective way. This is one way Mangrove House works to support its clients.
Another important topic, often confused with suicidal behaviour, is self-harm.
Intentional self-harm comes in many forms, and affects people from different backgrounds, ages and lifestyles. It often defined as deliberately injuring or hurting oneself, with or without the intention of dying. Importantly, the reasons for self-harm are different for each person and are often complex which is why having a non-judgmental, confidential, and trauma-informed safe space helps so many as they work through the function of their coping behaviours.
If you or a loved one would like to create such a safe space, we would encourage you to reach out for a chat. If you find yourself needing immediate support for any of the topics discussed above, you can contact any of these organisations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
For crisis support and suicide prevention services, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Suicide Call Back Service provides counselling on 1300 659 467.
Chat with a trained mental-health professional at Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36.
MensLine Australia offers counselling to men on 1300 78 99 78.
For confidential counselling for children and young people aged 5 to 25, call Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics) 2022. National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing – Summary statistics on key mental health issues including the prevalence of mental disorders and the use of services.
