James Donaldson on Mental Health - Why don’t we talk about suicide? ANU researchers are investigating ways to encourage safe disclosure

At the ANU Centre for Mental Health Research, Batterham’s LifeTrack study , a three-year project following 842 participants, is investigating how people transition between suicidal thoughts, attempts, and recovery.

“If somebody has suicidal thoughts, that in most cases will not mean that they’re going to attempt suicide,” Batterham says.

“The vast majority, well over 90 per cent, will not die by suicide.

If we can provide support early, we can change trajectories.

Suicide is preventable in most cases.” Early findings from the LifeTrack study suggest that those who disclose to trusted people are more likely to engage with professional care.

There’s stigma – society’s negative views becoming internalised as shame.

There’s fear of consequences: being involuntarily hospitalised, losing autonomy.

“There’s some validity to that concern,” Batterham acknowledges.

“There have been historical practices that have reduced people’s autonomy when they are feeling suicidal.” Then there are past bad experiences.

Many who’ve disclosed before were met with dismissal or discomfort that made things worse.