Article September 15, 2003 Issue

Suicide prevention—a spiritual approach

BY Beverly Goldsmith

After years of rising suicide rates in Australia, the figures are finally declining. Governments and community groups have worked hard to achieve this goal. A program in the nation's high schools is helping adolescents find their identity, purpose, and meaning in life. Another program is assisting young journalists to address the topic of suicide in thoughtful and constructive ways.

In another positive move, around 300 decision makers, professionals, and those affected by loss through suicide attended the tenth annual Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) National Conference in Brisbane last June (see www.suicideprevention aust.org). Attendees and participants included the following:

• Therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, general practitioners, and nurses