By ANEEKA SIMONIS
THE rate of suicide in young women aged 15-24 had increased by half in the decade leading to 2014, according to research presented at a youth mental health forum in Berwick.
The age demographic, in addition to Australian woman aged 55-64, experienced the greatest jump in suicides, both increasing by 50 per cent between 2005-2014.
It was a far greater rise than any other age group, with the average rate rise for all Australian women sitting at 36 per cent.
The concerning increases in youth suicides formed part of the annual Youth Mental Health Forum held in Berwick in mid-March.
World class mental health speakers Dr Michael Carr Gregg, Associate Professor Felice Jacka and Dr Claire Kelly spoke to dozens of youths, parents and health care workers at the three-hour information event.
Dr Carr Gregg kicked off the forum, drawing on the different ways parents can encourage resilience in youths as they transition from childhood to becoming young, independent adults.
He said it was important young people are exposed to adversity and take part in “health risk taking” in order to develop resilient coping strategies to propel them through later life.
Community connectedness and feeling as if they are being heard were also important factors in nurturing health adults, he said.
Associate Professor Felice Jacka turned the focus of the discussion to the importance diet and exercise can have on the gut, and in effect, a person’s sense of wellness.
She said the gut, particularly microbiota within the digestive system, was a major focus area for mental health researchers working to further understand the ‘gut-brain axis’.
“Good food is fundamental to achieving good mental and physical health,” she said.
Dr Claire Kelly closed the discussion, outlining her ground breaking research in mental health first aid.
The event was hosted by Berwick Rotary with help from Casey and Narre Warren Rotary.
Forum audience members were offered the opportunity to ask questions of the speakers as well as network with health service providers.
