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Suicide and intentional self-harm are tragic and preventable health issues. In 2023, the national reported suicide rate was approximately 9 deaths per day (AIHW, 2023). People who have attempted suicide or experienced a suicidal crisis often experience severe distress in the days and weeks immediately afterwards, and they are at high risk of attempting again. Providing individuals with support at times when they are most vulnerable is critical to ensuring that support is effective in achieving safety. Presenting at and/or being admitted to hospital following a suicide attempt or suicidal crisis is a time of heightened risk, therefore health interventions must support vulnerable individuals when transitioning out of acute settings and into the community.
CHN, ACT’s PHN, commissioned Woden Community Service (WCS) to deliver The Way Back Support Service (TWBSS) to support people in the first few months following a suicide attempt. People who have experienced a suicide attempt are referred to the program by Canberra Health Services (CHS) hospital emergency department and mental health units for follow-up psychosocial support which can last up to 12 weeks. This is seen as a critical suicide prevention aftercare response for a person at a high-risk time and is a key element of the LifeSpan integrated framework for suicide prevention. WCS provides integrated and person-centred care to people at-risk of poor health outcomes empowering them to feel healthier and more confident about their future. TWBSS provided 148 episodes of care over the last year. The program governance is supported through a collaboration with key stakeholders, including service users that has resulted in a streamlined referral process and opportunity for further co-design of service.
Client Story
Grace* (not her real name) attempted suicide multiple times, often following periods of conflict and arguments with her parents regarding her life choices, including her tertiary studies and future prospects.
Grace’s parent’s expressed scepticism regarding mental health issues and concerns and were not supportive of supporting mental health support and treatment for her. Grace did not have a formal mental health diagnosis in place.
Grace said her parents were high achievers academically and professionally, and they often voiced the same high expectations of Grace. Grace “hated” her university course and was failing as a result. Following TWBSS Support Coordinator facilitating a meaningful discussion with Grace’s parents regarding the negative impacts of these expectations on Grace, she successfully transferred to a different university program that was aligned with her creative passions.
Grace was linked in with a psychiatrist who diagnosed her with dissociate identity disorder and it was identified that she had 5 separate personalities, with individual history, traits, likes and dislikes. This formal diagnosis was a significant milestone and the start of Grace’s recovery journey. Grace was finally accessing the correct medical treatment she needed, and this led to significant improvements in her mental wellbeing.
Grace reported regular use of the therapeutic tools given to her when she struggled with emotional dysregulation. She learned coping tools to manage her relationship with her parents and reported an increase in self-confidence. She gained full-time employment and was optimistic about the future. During Grace’s final session with TWBSS support coordinator, she called the service “life changing”.
