MEMBERS of the Riverland’s suicide prevention network were out and about recently, raising mental health awareness on R U OK Day and World Suicide Prevention Day.
Val Fewster and Jo Little of the Riverland Community Suicide Prevention Network (RCSPN) manned a stall in the Riverland Plaza in Berri, speaking to locals and providing them with information about mental health and suicide.
While the RCSPN holds a stall on R U OK Day every year, Ms Little said she believed it was even more important this year due to COVID-19.
“With COVID-19 meaning people can’t be face-to-face, it’s important to encourage people to pick up the phone and ask people if they are okay because you can’t see all the physical signs,” she said.
“It’s also difficult not being able to see your family, even when you’re sick.”
Ms Fewster said people were currently dealing with “a lot of different stresses” in their lives.
“I think we need to get people to feel they ask the question when they see people at work or friends or relatives who are acting a bit different,” she said.
“I think listening is key, and then encouraging them to take some action.
“More than anything, it’s looking at making sure people stay safe. Sometimes people aren’t necessarily ready to talk.
“Suicide is something you can’t prepare for, it often just happens, and if it happens to someone close to you it’s devastating and it causes a ripple effect.
“Sometimes it can take a while for people to come and get some help, but we’ve got good support services in the Riverland.”
Ms Fewster, who is a facilitator for the Community Response to Eliminating Suicide (CORES), said the group would soon resume its training programs, including sessions at the Loxton High School.
If you or anyone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.