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Relatively little research has been conducted on the relationship between alcohol misuse and suicidal behavior among the elderly. The current study's aim was to examine whether quantity and frequency of alcohol use and the interaction between these variables are related to current suicidal ideation, previous suicidal ideation/intent, and past suicide attempts in a community sample of 1,010 Australian adults over age 60. Results partially supported our hypotheses. The interaction between quantity and frequency of alcohol use was significant, suggesting that those who use alcohol less frequently but in greater quantities (i.e., binge drinking) are more likely to have a history of suicide attempts.

Purpose: Rural communities in Australia have an elevated risk of suicide. The aim of the current study was to evaluate a well‐being and suicide prevention education workshop, SCARF (Suspect, Connect, Ask, Refer, Follow‐Up) developed for Australian farming and rural communities. Methods: The SCARF program was delivered to 14 groups, a convenience sample including frontline agricultural workers and farmers from New South Wales. The Literacy of Suicide Scale, Stigma of Suicide Scale, and items assessing confidence to assist others were administered immediately before and after the workshop, and at 3‐month follow‐up. The Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale was given immediately before and at 3‐month follow‐up. In total, 255 agreed to participate in the study, with 127 completing 3‐month follow‐up. Data were analyzed using linear mixed‐effects regression. Findings: There was a significant increase in suicide literacy and confidence to assist others immediately after the workshop, which remained significant at 3‐month follow‐up. Mental well‐being significantly improved at 3‐month follow‐up. Conclusion: The SCARF program is unique for its brevity, cultural specificity, focus on health, and incorporation of the biopsycho‐ecological model and the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. It represents a useful program for Australian farming and rural communities to improve mental well‐being, suicide literacy, and confidence to recognize and respond to suicidality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relatively little research has been conducted on the relationship between alcohol misuse and suicidal behavior among the elderly. The current study's aim was to examine whether quantity and frequency of alcohol use and the interaction between these variables are related to current suicidal ideation, previous suicidal ideation/intent, and past suicide attempts in a community sample of 1,010 Australian adults over age 60. Results partially supported our hypotheses. The interaction between quantity and frequency of alcohol use was significant, suggesting that those who use alcohol less frequently but in greater quantities (i.e., binge drinking) are more likely to have a history of suicide attempts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide is a leading cause of morbidity, yet a significant challenge to receiving adequate support is an unwillingness to disclose mental health issues. The current study explores reasons for nondisclosure among emergency personnel, a population at risk of developing mental health problems. Twenty-nine police, ambulance, and fire and rescue agencies from around Australia participated in a mental health and wellbeing survey ( N = 14,536, male = 60.5%, 52.0% over 45 years of age, heterosexual = 92.5%). Rates of mental health issues and perceptions of stigma were compared between participants who answered suicide-related questions and those who preferred not to say. Participants who preferred not to answer suicide-related questions ( n = 1,098) reported higher rates of psychological distress (symptoms of depression and anxiety), and lower wellbeing and social support, than those who reported suicidal thoughts ( n = 1,966) or no suicidal thoughts ( n = 11,472). Perceptions of mental health stigma within the workplace, and regarding one's own mental health, also tended to be higher among nonresponders. Imputing their responses based on this survey information resulted in notably higher rates of estimated suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts. Allowing for nondisclosure in self-report measures of suicide may provide more accurate prevalence estimates and facilitate identification of individuals most at risk of suicide. Addressing stigma in the workplace and also regarding one's own mental health issues may act to improve disclosure of suicidal thoughts and adaptive help-seeking behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

We examined the relationship between season of birth and depressive and suicidal symptoms among 859 elderly outpatients. Date and country of birth were recorded for each participant. Those in utero during the Northern or Southern Hemisphere flu peak were expected to show the highest depressive and suicidal symptoms. Hypotheses were partially supported.

To test whether Australians in utero during the Southern hemisphere flu peak would show increased suicidal and depressive symptoms, as would those born in the Northern hemisphere and who were in utero during the Northern hemisphere flu peak. A sample of 2514 adolescents and young adults presenting to general practitioners completed measures of depressive and suicidal symptoms. Patients' date and country of birth were recorded. Those born in the Southern hemisphere in September-November showed the highest suicidal and depressive symptoms, as did those born in the Northern hemisphere in March-May. Season of birth may be a risk factor for depressive and suicidal symptoms.

Background: Some young people presenting to primary care experience suicidal symptoms that they do not report., Method: We conducted a survey of suicidal ideation among 15-24-year-old patients presenting to Australian general practitioners., Results: Patients who experienced substantial, but unstated, suicidal symptoms tended to be female and somewhat younger; their depression and distress levels, while not as high as suicidal patients with psychological complaints, were nonetheless elevated., Conclusions: Young patients who evince any signs of depression or distress, particularly but not only young females, should be evaluated regarding psychological symptoms, including suicidal ideation.