Achievements

 

 

Youth Suicide and Mental Health
Australia has one of the highest rates of youth suicide in the Western world. Institute researchers have studied the risk factors for depression and suicide to see how they can be modified through early intervention and more effective treatment to provide a better safety net for young people. A resource manual for Western Australian secondary schools was developed with the purpose of assisting staff in identifying and monitoring ‘at risk’ children. This manual is used to detail the effects of youth suicide on pupils and staff and outlines the steps which schools can take to reduce the potential of suicidal behaviours being triggered in other students. Researchers also work with the major teaching hospitals to ensure appropriate care and assistance for young people who have attempted suicide.

 

The Institute is home to the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention.