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Directors report
I was proud and honoured to have received an Australia Day Award in the Year of the Volunteers. Mr Craig Emerson Federal Member for Rankin presented the award. However without the dedication of a strong group of volunteers brought together through personal tragedy and all striving to make governments and general public aware of the seriousness of suicide in our lucky country, this award would not have been possible. I share this honour with each and everyone you who have helped along the way.
Response from our last newsletter was overwhelming. We now have a Web Site and included a Chat Line every Wednesday at 9pm. We fully understand not everyone is able to access the Internet. For this reason we have placed blocks on certain parts of the site which only members are able to access. This way our members will not be disadvantaged. All current members have been allocated a user name and password to access the entire site. If they are lost please contact Head Office.
Our membership is growing stronger and we are receiving many phone calls and letters. The sad fact is that most of the stories are identical. People are not receiving appropriate treatment when they identify the need for urgent help. An eg of urgent help is an attempted suicide which should be classified as a medical emergency in exactly the same way as patients suffering heart attacks, cancer, strokes, diabetes, asthma attack etc. We will continue our fight to have mental illness/suicide treated in the same way as any other medical emergency with dignity and respect for the patient and their family/carers.
White Wreath Day for the Victims of Suicide is included in the National Health Events Calendar and Queensland Health Calendar. Next year White Wreath Day will also be included on all individual State Calendar. This is marked for the 29th May yearly and this year the Main event will be held in Brisbane King George Square. Perth Branch will coincide with a service on the lawns at the back of Council House with Melbourne also holding a service. We will continue Memorial Services as an awareness and education campaign throughout the year to focus government and media attention onto this serious issue that is at epidemic proportions and plaguing our lucky country. These services will lead to the National White Wreath Day on the 29th May Yearly.
We are very proud of our achievements however it saddens me that people have to suffer and die before Action Against Suicide is implemented by government. Please keep the letters and photo's coming in, as they are an important part of our Association
Fanita Clark
Director
THANKYOUS:
Mr Craig Emerson, Federal Member for Rankin - Qld Mr Dick Adams, Federal Member for Lyons - Tasmania
The Hon. Glenyys Romanes, MP for Melbourne - Victoria Mr Craig Langdon, MP for Ivanhoe - Victoria
Councillor Mark Bailey, Moorooka Ward Office, Brisbane City
Council Mr Leigh Hubbard, Secretary, Victorian Trades Hall Council
Lord Mayor Councillor Peter Costigan, City of Melbourne Council of the City of Melbourne
Management and staff of State Library of Victoria
Carmen Fisher, Browns Plains Hotel, Browns Plains Mr Bob Fraser, State Manager Queensland, Budget-Rent-A-Car
Craig Clements, Main Freight Distributors, Melbourne Gary Heath, Kennards Hire, Beenleigh
Peter and Jan Deaville, Pandanus Palms Holiday Resort, North
Stradbroke Island
Mr Rentiman, General Manager, Stradbroke Ferries James Parnell, Computer Programmer for excellent work in designing and setting up our web page
Arthur Proestakis, Owner of Planetpos
Alan Burge, Spar Supermarket Loganholme Queensland Woolworths Supermarket Queensland
Super Cheap Autos, Browns Plains Queensland Gail Webb, The Bower Bird Op Shop, West End
Sandra Ann, Artist
All the wonderful helpers, including family members, who have volunteered their valuable time and assistance in many ways. And also members who have supported us by renewing their memberships.
A MOTHERS STORY:
Our only son and brother died by his own hand after a long and tormented battle with mental illness. He was almost twenty-six years old. Although his primary foe was his illness, a cruel hand dealt to him by nature, we firmly believe that the public health system, as it functions in Queensland and which we assume has a charter to sustain life, was a physical enemy which neither he nor his family could engage with in a reasonable and dignified manner. We do accept that it was inevitable that ultimately our son would complete suicide because of the nature of his illness, but we also had a passionate hope and expectation that the medical practitioners to whom our son turned for professional help during his difficult life would not callously reject him, as they did. Our experience is that public hospital beds and resources are not to be wasted on sick patients! This poses the question: "Who then, can have a reasonable expectation of occupying a public hospital bed?" From our actual observations, the answer is: "Only docile, compliant patients who make no demands of staff or resources." What hope is there then for the seriously ill person who does not slot into a regime of routine treatment? The philosophy of public hospitals, and more particularly, the mental health sections, seems to be to move as many patients through wards as quickly as possible, with as little treatment as possible, and with no regard for the patient's ability to cope once they are thrust, unsupported into the outside world. This has been our experience of the system. So, where and to whom, do these people and their families turn for help? As a family who loved him and desperately sought solutions over a fifteen-year-period, we have no answers. Only frustrations and disappointments. Finally, our son turned to his own resources for an answer. He removed himself from this life which offered him no hope.
Community support systems and supportive living environments are basic necessities vital to the well-being and survival of mentally ill people. However such facilities are tragically inadequate within our society. Our son did find wonderful support and friendship as a member of Steeping Stone, but support groups such as this are few and far between. Their constant quest for adequate funding highlights the attitude of politicians at state and federal levels, who see little political prestige in championing the causes of a minority group with virtually no political clout. Likewise, hostels which function as half-way houses between mental institutions and mental patients' pursuit of independence within the general community fall into two categories: the adequate hostel - rare, and the common Dickensian, House of Horrors. Finding a hostel which is humane is like finding a rare treasure, but those which we came to know as "hostels from hell" are aplenty!
Blame is evident on two counts: first, public apathy and ignorance; second, and more importantly, is the fact that there are not many votes forthcoming from mentally ill constituents, and, in general, suburban families do not want the mentally ill living in their neighbourhood. Obviously, the complacent general public who do not want hostels in their neighbourhood have more political power at the polling booths than the mentally ill who have come to accept their powerlessness as their lot in life. I ask - "What hope or chance do these people have of ever gaining a scintilla of normality in their daily existence with the odds so heavily stacked against them?"
Since we went public with the story of our son's wretched life, openly criticising the non-supportive state health system, and naming a particular "hostel from hell", we have received overwhelming support from people who have had similar experiences. We know for certain that we are not alone! We have also had support from people who sympathise with us and deeply regret the misery that was our son's life. We have been told repeatedly that we are "brave", "courageous", that we have "guts" for speaking out publicly about our very personal tragedy. As a family, we have discussed this issue of being brave, courageous, and gutsy, and totally reject this well-intentioned praise. What we, as the surviving family do feel, is shame and rage at a public health system that we believe hastened our son's death with its insensitivity, needlessly stripping him of fundamental dignity and hope, when all that he wished for was just to be ordinary, and to be treated as if he mattered. Long ago, we came to the conclusion that our son and his mentally ill companions are the brave, courageous and gutsy ones. Just to face each mundane day with all the inherent struggles, anguish and rejection as well as medication which makes basic functions like continence and saliva control impossible, requires more fortitude than most of us will be asked to draw on in our entire lifetime. Those who have not lived with mental illness are blissfully unaware of this, as we were before his illness manifested itself. We now react with deep compassion and support for those less fortunate, but braver, than we are, and hope that by speaking out, as we have done, others might do likewise. Please - can't you find it in your heart to accept and support, at political and community levels, those who are already suffering at the cruel hand of nature through no fault of their own; those who are as deserving of full access to a supportive and sympathetic health system as those who are sick with what is perceived as socially acceptable illnesses? People with mental illnesses must draw on great inner strength just to exist each day. Those of us who enjoy mental health have it within our power to fill these days with dignity and to reward them for their courage instead of punishing them for their illness.
FROM A MOTHER AND FAMILY OF A SUICIDE VICTIM
PETER NEAME
Author of "Suicide and Mental Health in Australia and New Zealand" and a Mental Health and Forensic Nurse with 30 years experience, is also the Research and Publicity Officer for the White Wreath Association.
Suicide Prevention - A Summary
Suicide rates have risen dramatically in Australia in the last 30 years due to:
1. A lack of early intervention. i.e.: admission and assessment in hospital.
2. Deliberate government policies and professional practices of `gate-keeping' - refusing to admit and assess people in hospital to save costs and also because of lack of adequate professional / clinical training and experience.
3. Government policies and practices being based on outdated `social causation' models - social work and psychology theory and practice. Mental illness is the sole cause of suicide. There is no scientific evidence whatsoever that life stresses lead to mental illness / suicide. It is a popular belief, however. Mental illness / suicide is neurobiologic and genetic in origin and tends to run in families.
4. Current `suicide prevention' strategies by government and other agencies being based on `life affirming skills' rather than targeted at early intervention in mental illness. There is a direct parallel here with road accident deaths. For 100 years, `general education' about road safety was practised but speed reduction was vigorously opposed by traffic officials and motoring associations. When speed was finally tackled, road accident rates dropped by 50-75% in some areas / countries. The same, I believe, would be true if a policy of early intervention in mental illness was practised.
5. What other life threatening condition would people be `offered' counselling in the community? What other life threatening condition would people be refused admission as standard practice?
6. "Social Causation' - the idea that life experiences, particularly early life experiences, `damage one for life' is really only neo-Freudian theory from discredited psychoanalytical / psychotherapeutic ideology. What is not known, because no government ministers or their plethora of advisors and consultants have read A History of Psychiatry: From the Era of the Asylum to the Age of Prozac, is that, in later life - from his direct clinical experience, "Freud argued that two fundamental instincts existed - the life instinct and death instinct, or Eros and Thonatos, rather than just the sexual instinct as he previously believed" (Edward Shorter, 1997).
[Shorter, E. 1997. A History of Psychiatry: From the Era of the Asylum to the Age of Prozac. p.157. John Wiley & Sons]
"Counselling" - the panacea for everything - does not prevent suicide or, indeed, anything else.
· The type of suicide policies I advocate will reduce both the suicide and murder rates.
· When anti-depressant medication is prescribed, it takes at least 2-3 weeks to be effective, and as many as 30-36% of people will not respond at all or will respond poorly. This is true of all psychotropic medication which is why people were once commenced on medication in hospital. It takes time to get the right medication for the right patient. Most important however, is that during that 2-3 week period, the patient may become more suicidal - there is speculation as to why this occurs. The drug may increase energy / motivation before it lifts the mood, but no-one really knows for sure.
· Verbal assurances, written suicide contracts and verbal assessments are the most dangerous ways of assessing patients but that is what the system relies on entirely.
· Anger, suicide and depression go hand-in-hand, and this makes a total mockery of those who attempt to divorce `madness' from `badness' - they are totally intertwined.
· I determine early intervention as: rapid admission and assessment in hospital. It is easy to be wise after the event. As Winston Churchill once said, "..the further we can look back, the further we can look forward".
Mental health policies and practices have changed dramatically for the worse. In Australia in 1960 with a population of 10.4 million, there were 35,000 beds in mental hospitals. In 2000, with a population of 19.1 million, there are less than 2000 beds available.
I despair that politicians will ever see what is so glaringly obvious, for in all their various enquiries, commissions, recommendations, etc.. senior and experienced psychiatric nurses, particularly those who speak out as I do, are never consulted. All reports are based on `social causation' - social work / psychology theory for which there is not a single scrap of evidence.
WISH LIST
We have dedicated this section as a wish list. This list is of all the things the association needs to help us along. If you can help with any of the items listed or donate anything else please let us know we would appreciate any contribution big or small.
Plain Envelopes Size 110 x 220 (DL
A4 Plastic Protective Sheet covers
Photocopy paper
Thick black Artline felt pens
Stamps
White Liquid Paper
Avery Laser Labels (16 labels per A4 page)
Glue Sticks
Someone to process grant applications (urgently needed)
Marketing Manager (preferably retired or semi-retired) - Commission based payment.
Contact Fanita Clark, Head Office for further details.
Phone calls and letters the White Wreath Association are receiving
Phone call - daughter seeking help for mother who is an alcoholic. Unable to receive appropriate help as mother denies she has a problem. Spent many hours in daughter's home providing moral support.
Home visit to family whose son suicided in protective custody. Mother very distraught and unable to cope. Entire family have been in and out of Jail. They feel they are the neglected part of society that nobody wants to know or hear about. Went a few times to their home as moral support.
Woman over-dosed on prescribed medication and a side effect of this was that she became partially blinded. Spoke to her at length via telephone and suggested she contact association more suitable to persons with sight impairment as they would be able to provide specialist advice for someone in her situation.
home visit to a young woman who attempted suicide after being raped by her boyfriend and his mate. Spent many hours providing moral support.
"Everything that is done in the world is done by hope"
MARTIN LUTHER KING
A MOTHERS STORY
My 18-year-old son on several occasions spoke to me of suicidal thoughts. Because my son smoked marijuana and in the past had used intravenous drugs I thought that it might have been adolescent behaviour combined with drugs that may have distorted his thinking. Something I hoped he would overcome.
One Saturday morning I had to take my younger son to the doctor's and pick up a few groceries. My younger son, after the doctor's appointment went on to see a friend.
I was gone no longer than 1 hour.
When I returned I went down stairs to the laundry. I found my son hanging. I was alone in the house and by myself I had to cut him down. Crying and in complete disbelief I gave my son CPR, desperately trying to revive him. I did not want to stop the CPR but I had to ring 000. I was in total shock but managed to rush back up the stairs and ring the emergency number for help. They advised me not to hang up and continue the CPR until the ambulance arrived. I was out of breath and tired but continued CPR until they arrived.
I was traumatised. To find my child hanging and dead in my home was beyond comprehension. Something that you would never expect to see in your life.
I repeatedly ask myself questions of why was I so naive not to believe my son when he spoke of suicide.
I ask how would I have known if we as a society are not educated on suicide. Family and carers, in most cases think this is the behaviour of adolescents. We do not know how to differentiate between behavioural problems and serious problems. Psychiatrists, doctor's etc specialise for many years on this specific issue of suicide.
We, the community care-givers, are totally ignorant on this subject.
We are left to find our own way.
I grew up with this song,but never realy listened to the words.
This was sent to our office and it wasn't until then I read the words and cried.
VINCENT
Starry , starry night , paint your pallet blue and grey,
look out on a summer's day with eyes that know the
darkness in my soul, shadows on the hills,sketch the
trees and the daffodils,catch the breeze in the winter
chills, in colours on the snowy linen land.
CHORUS:
Now I understand what you tried to say to me and
how you suffered for your sanity and how you tried to
set them free,they would not listen they did not know,
perhaps they'll listen now.
Starry, starry night, flaming flowers that brightly blaze,
swirling clouds in violet haze,reflect in Vincent's eyes
of china blue,colours changing hue,morning fields of
amber green weathered faces lined in pain are soothed
beneath the artist's loving hand.
CHORUS:
For they could not love you,but still your love was
true and when no hope was left in sight,on that starry,
starry night,you took your life as lovers often do.
But I could have told you Vincent ,this world was never
meant for one as beautiful as you.
Starry,starry night,portraits hung in empty halls,
frameless heads on nameless walls with eyes that watch
the world and can't forget,like the strangers that
you've met;ragged men in ragged clothes,the silver thorn,
a bloody rose lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow
CHORUS:
Now I think know what you tried to say to me and
how you suffered for your sanity and how you tried to
set them free; they would not listen, they're not listening still -
The White Wreath Association is listening.
We hope all will listen.
The Saga of Health Minister Wendy Edmond....
This is a reply from Fanita Clark to an unsatisfactory reply from Health Minister Wendy Edmond. The Health Minister was approached by the White Wreath Association after we received a disturbing letter from a 27 year-old woman desperately seeking help. This woman is suicidal and has attempted suicide.
If you wish to read whole saga please log in to www.whitewreath.com
Ms. Edmonds,
Your reply on the 13th of February is simply not good enough. Experience of the many hundreds of people who ring and write to us is that they identify the problem early, and reasonably and responsibly seek help. In every case where there has been a completed suicide, the individual has been turned
away or been discharged within one to two days, by whatever agency they have approached.
We want a response from you to the following question for our next newsletter which is currently in preparation:
"What other medical emergency would people routinely be refused admission?"
Explanation - THERE IS NONE! and this is the real prejudice in suicide / mental illness and you are reinforcing this.
Suicide is self-evidently life-threatening. Your current responses and those identified in the National Health Plan are appallingly inadequate.
We respectfully ask for a prompt reply.
Sincerely,
Fanita Clark
Director
**This letter will be published in our next newsletter regardless if you reply or not**
Health Minister Wendy Edmond reply
Dear Mrs Clark
Thank you for your email.
Unfortunately there is no further information which can be added to previous response dated 13th February 2001.
Thank you for raising this matter with me.
Memorials
MELBOURNE 7TH MARCH 2001
The Melbourne White Wreath Memorial service was very successful. There was a bipartisan approach by politicians regardless of their political party.
A special thank you to Mr Leigh Hubbard Secretary of the Victorian Trades Hall Council. He performed the duties of Master of Ceremonies with professionalism.
A thank you must also go to The Rt Honourable Lord Mayor Cr Peter Costigan Lord Mayor of Melbourne City and his staff for all their help and support. And also Alix Massina from the State Library, Swanston Street, Melbourne where the memorial service was held.
You all helped make this day a success in creating awareness to the serious issue of mental illness/ suicide, which is plaguing our lucky country.
Towards the end of the ceremony representatives of the Police Association of Victoria laid a wreath on behalf of the members of the Police Association in recognition of colleagues departed in tragic circumstances and those remaining who deal with the tragedy of suicide on a regular basis.
We concluded with 1-minute silence for all victims of suicide then a prayer by Father Peter Norden.
The feed back form the politicians and general public was that they were astounded by the amount of White Wreaths that were laid (4500). They could not believe there are that many suicides in one year. I can honestly say that the cover up by Government has worked very well in their favour. People are ignorant to this issue through no fault of their own. For these reasons we will continue our campaign of White Wreath Memorial Services to create a broad awareness to this epidemic. We will make it known to all that these people are not just statistics but dearly loved family members, loved by their family/cares.
Sincerely
Fanita Clark
Director
Main event will be held in Brisbane
To commence 12 midday in King George Square Brisbane
4500 White Wreaths will be laid in memory of the victims of suicide. Photographs of victims are laid on Wreaths. If anyone wishes to lay photo's, flowers etc you may at any time during the day.
All are Welcomed
Perth Branch will be holding a service on the lawns at the back of Council House St Georges Terrace to commence 12 midday Perth time
A service will also be held in Melbourne, Geelong, Gympie, Sunshine Coast and smaller cities and towns across Australia.
Fundraising:
raffle ticket winners
THANK YOU TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO SUPPORTED OUR RAFFLE TICKET COMPETITION.
THE WINNER OF THE $50.00 WAS:
VIVIAN RICHTER FROM MUDGEERABA.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! VIVIAN ON BEHALF OF THE WHITE WREATH ASSOCIATION..
WHITE WREATH DAY NOW 29TH MAY EVERY YEAR
CAR RALLY:
Many thanks to our fund-raising officer Mr Ivars Milins who organised this most enjoyable fundraising event held on 25TH March beautiful Sunday which took participants through the back roads of Shailer Park and down to Cleveland before returning to Daisy Hill State Forest for an enjoyable barbecue in the park.
Mr Mark Knipe and his team were the happy winners of the event (voucher for 4 to Pandanus Palms Holiday Resort Stradbroke Island for two nights and return ferry voucher from Stradbroke Ferries) with prizes also given to the second and third place -getters.
Thanks again to Ivars for his wonderful effort in making this day such a success and to those who took part.
All monies raised all throughout fundraising goes towards office running expenses and costs associated with holding the White Wreath Memorials Services.
Memorial Services already held include the following:
Canberra - 24th November 1999 Brisbane - 19th April 2000 Melbourne - 7th March 2001
Gold Coast - 16th August 2000 Canberra - 8th November 2000
Our ultimate goal is to build a people's hospital for persons suffering mental illness/mental disorders - a place where no one is denied care and a place of safety for those who are in need.
Funds for this will come from the sale of miniature White Wreaths…...