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Do you want to learn more about suicide and mental illness in older age?

Posted on July 10, 2019

People over 65 years of age are more likely to self-harm with suicidal intent than younger people and men over 80 years of age are nine times more likely to take their own lives, than women.

Primary Health Tasmania is thrilled to be hosting a series of forums – both for the community, and for local health professionals – featuring Professor Brian Draper on ageism, the stigma surrounding suicidal behaviour in older adults and how we understand mental illness and ageing.

At the health professional events, he will discuss Australian and international research about more effective treatment and care of vulnerable older patients and clients and how this can aid in suicide prevention.

The details for the health professional events are:

Professor Draper will also speak to communities participating in the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Trial, and is also holding events for community and residential aged care providers and carers.

The details for the community events are:

For more information about Primary Health Tasmania role in the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Trial, click here.

Need help?

Primary Health Tasmania does not offer health services, crisis, or emergency support.

Your regular general practitioner/doctors surgery should always be your first point of call if you need medical or mental health care

In an emergency, call Triple 000 for Ambulance, Fire or Police

For health advice on health services open at night, public holidays and weekends, visit the Tas After Hours website.

The following helplines are also available for urgent assistance:

  • Mental Health Services Helpline (DHHS) 1800 332 388
  • Lifeline Crisis Help 13 11 14
  • Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
  • Drug and Alcohol Counselling (DHHS – Afterhours) 1800 811 994
  • Poison Information Centre 13 11 26