Download a PDF of the 2012 Annual Report - Black Dog Institute

SuicidePreventionResearch Leaders – Professor Helen Christensen,Dr Fiona Shand, Dr Bregje Van SpijkerEvery day at least six Australians die from suicideand a further 30 people will attempt to take theirown life. In fact, Australians are more likely to die fromsuicide than skin cancer; yet we know comparativelylittle about the processes that lead to suicide and howand when to intervene effectively.Black Dog Institute research is looking foranswers to this problem and concentrating on the developmentof evidence-based intervention programsthat will save lives. Much of our activity in this areafocuses on groups who we know have a higher risk ofsuicide such as indigenous people. Complementingthis work will be pioneering research conducted withinthe prestigious new NHMRC Centre for ResearchExcellence. This work will combine research study datato identify suicide risk factors in Australia, develop newinterventions for suicidal ideation, and model researchdata with the aim of adapting policy to ensure fundingis directed accordingly.Research activity from 2012 includes:Preventing suicide in young indigenouspeople – Work has begun on a new a mobile phone‘App’ to help young indigenous people to deal with suicidalthoughts and psychological distress. The App willuse evidence-based psychological strategies adaptedfrom acceptance and commitment therapy anddialectical behaviour therapy. Consultations suggestthat much of the proposed content is already beingdelivered to young indigenous people in face-to-faceinterventions and that an App may overcome barriersto help-seeking such as cost, stigma, lack of anonymity,and poor access to services. This project is beingdeveloped in partnership with HITnet, the Young andWell Cooperative Research Centre, the UNSW MuruMarri Indigenous Health Unit, UNE, Alive & KickingGoals! in the Kimberley, and Thoughtworks, and will bepiloted in 2013.18