Mental health reference cards on their way to Southern Downs communities
An initiative of USQ's Centre for Rural and Remote Area Health (CRRAH) and the Southern Downs Suicide Task Force, the cards identify symptoms of mental health problems and list steps to support people who may be experiencing difficulties. Director of the CRRAH Associate Professor Don Gorman said that the cards could be used by concerned families or friends who knew of people who may be suffering from depression, were withdrawn or who were just doing it tough. 'The cards are an idea that came about in response to a number of suicides in the Warwick area and is one of several different strategies we have developed to combat this problem,' Associate Professor Gorman said. 'With help from the Department of Health and also the Department of Communities we put together the cards and are aiming them at family and friends who recognise the symptoms associated with mental illness. It’s more likely that they will utilise these cards.' Each card will contain contact information of local support services and will be available at a number of different locations throughout these communities, he said. 'The cards have a space on the back upon which local groups can put their contact numbers and from there they will determine the best place to distribute them – such as corner stores, fuel stations, local pubs and motels. 'They are currently on their way out to Warwick, Allora, Goondiwindi, Inglewood, Texas, Millmerran, Pittsworth, Stanthorpe and Killarney.' While much as been made of the issue of depression in rural communities in recent years, Associate Professor Gorman said that there was always more that needed to be done. 'Drought, climate change and fuel prices are just some of the things that are contributing to the increasing levels of stress on rural communities,' he said. 'Demand exceeds supply. There is very little in terms of mental health services in rural areas and the services tend to be overloaded.' 'Although the cards have been specifically developed to help prevent suicide, we also hope that they will help raise awareness of mental health issues in these regions.' As well as the cards the task force has also been involved in training people in the communities to travel around the Southern Darling Downs and provide training in mental health first aid. 'There is no one simple solution. The more things we can do to help the better.' Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559 
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