Murrumbateman resident Keith Todd knows the reality of suicide.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Sixteen officers died by suicide while he worked in the police force in London before moving to Australia.
On the other hand, Mr Todd knows suicide can be prevented.
One day, the dangers and pressures of being a police officer became too much for Mr Todd and he joined the large number of people who think about suicide each year.
More than 2.1 million Australians will think about suicide at some point in their life, according to the Department of Health.
Eight people die by suicide per day, according to Lifeline.
Thankfully, another police officer encouraged Mr Todd to talk.
"Everything was imploding, everything was going wrong. Then someone, another cop, stepped forward and gave me permission to talk," Mr Todd said.
Mr Todd switched careers when he moved to Australia and began working in suicide prevention and became a pastor.
He now has about 17 years of experience in the field and hopes to share his skills with the local community.
This Sunday, October 13 at the Murrumbateman Community Church Hall, Mr Todd will hold a three-hour safeTALK workshop that teaches people how to ask someone if they're thinking about suicide and what to do if the answer is yes.
Safe stands for 'suicide alertness for everyone'.
Suicide can "affect everyone and anyone", Mr Todd said.
Mr Todd said there have been recent suicides in the Yass Valley and that the drought is impacting local farmers.
The workshop will also address the myths and reduce stigma surrounding suicide, Mr Todd said.
"Just because someone dies by suicide doesn't mean they have a mental illness and just because someone has a mental illness doesn't mean they will think about suicide," he said.
Mr Todd also said that asking someone if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts won't give them the idea.
"Talking about it gives them permission and relief to share what they're thinking," he said.
ALSO READ: End of an era for iconic neon sign
The workshop will also help people who tried to have a conversation with someone but they shut down, Mr Todd said.
Mr Todd said men, who typically find it harder to talk about their emotions, find it easier to have a conversation while standing side-by-side or over an activity.
Tips like these will be delivered in the workshop.
The workshop is $35, which covers resources and refreshments. Register at Eventbrite.
- Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
We care about what you think. Have your say in the form below and if you love local news don't forget to subscribe.
