Kimberley Medical Group offers a safe, comfortable and judgement-free zone for people who struggle with mental health issues.
While mental health has slowly become a less ‘taboo’ topic that is more widely understood, spoken about more openly, and less stigmatised, there is still a long way to go. Particularly for Aboriginal Australians, especially in the Kimberley region, who have one of the highest rates of suicide in the world.
In 2017, suicide ranked as the 2nd leading cause of death for Indigenous males, with 39.6 deaths per 100,000 persons, and 7th for Indigenous females, at 11.9 per 100,000 persons. This is compared to suicide being the 10th leading cause of death for males and and 21st for females of Australia’s non-Indigenous population.
The staff at Kimberley Medical Group are able to complete GP Mental Health Care Plans for patients and provide counselling referrals for other mental health services in Broome. Alternatively, if you aren’t suffering from mental health issues but believe you know someone who is, think about what their symptoms might be. Beyond Blue has a comprehensive checklist that may be able to help you identify what these are.
Signs such as feeling restless, nervous, anxious, sad for no real reason (or not feeling much at all), withdrawn, tired, lacking in motivation, feeling worthless, overthinking, or having suicidal thoughts, are usually clear indicators that something is going on and worth discussing.
Often people think what they’re feeling is normal or avoid talking about their feelings and thoughts because they’re ashamed, embarrassed, scared of people’s reactions or simply that they’re not worthy of help. We understand that everyone’s feelings are valid and no problem is too small (or too big) to try and discuss it.
If you want more information surrounding mental health, we recommend Beyond Blue, Lifeline, Black Dog Institute, Headspace, Kids Helpline, Mensline Australia, Suicide Call Back Service, Anglicare WA, and Relationships Australia.
We’re always here to talk. Call 9157 9860 or book your appointment online via HotDoc.
