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My son Alex aged 20 took his life by jumping off a high bridge 3 months ago. He had severe, chronic and intractable schizophrenia.He was really trying to get better and had good care, but the medications did not really work and his life was constant torment.. He wrote this earlier this year: " So many confusions, delusions and nothing makes sense. I try to sort myself out but something always stuffs up but I'll try my hardest and never give up" He was wonderful and brave and I think I will be sad forever but I will get on with my life and try to help others. My concern with the mental health system is that there is no safe theraputic hospital enviroment as a refuge for people at risk of self harm. Alex had been admitted to an Acute Admissions Unit but was very frightened of this place ( and so was I!) and he escaped twice from a locked ward. "Hospital" was not a safe haven, it was a very scary place. I think he took his chances with the eternal herafter, hoping for peace in next life, or simply to experince nothing, because there was no peace for him in this one.

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Fanita, we just want to say that what you are doing is wonderful. How far you have come and how much you have achieved! Our thoughts are with you always, From all of us at the Loganlea Community Centre.

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My son inlaw ended his life just 5 weeks ago. His wife and two little girls are devestated as is all the family and many friends. There appeared to be no obvious reason.

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I was diagnosed with depression about 2 years ago. Ive attempted suicide 4 times...im so desperate for help but i dont know what to do. i have no support from my family or my boyfriend, they think im a nut. i havent been to see a psychiatrist though i was told to...im scared because i know i cant do this by myself. please reply if u have any answers for me or advice. a lady on the internet told me i should try to be admitted to a hospital...will this help? how do i go about it? misscandy2001@hotmail.com

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I read with great interest your site. It's wonderful to know someone is actually trying to do something out there. We need something like this here in Darwin. I congratulate you and wish you all encouragement on a couragious voyage you have embarked on.

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My 22 yr old Son suicided in 1998 and I would like to join your organization.

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great job

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I almost feel like an outsider writing on this site. I have not had a family member kill themselves, nor do I know of any close or distant friend who has. However, I have had loved ones die and I do know what it is like to live with someone who is mentally ill. My father has bi polar disorder and early indicators suggest the likelihood that my sister does as well. My deepest sympathies go out to you all. How I wish things could have been different for you. Perhaps that is why an organisation such as Whitewreath is so invaluable. It has the potential to make a difference. I am actually a journalism student at the University of Technology Sydney. While researching for an article on women in prison with a mental illness I came across information on suicide and mental illness that challenged my previous perceptions. It seemed somewhat amazing to me that a policy adopted by governments around the world in the late 1960's could now be responsible for the ever increasing number of suicides, homicides and homelessness. Perhaps the most shocking of is the Governments refusal to either acknowledge these problems, or to do something about them. Peter Neame is a psychiatric nurse with thirty years experience in the field of mental health. He believes that there has never been a period of time in history where the mentally ill have been treated worse. Himself a sufferer of bi polar, Winston Churchill once remarked that a society should be ultimately judged by the manner in which it treats its mentally ill. Now what does that say about us? If anyone would like to contact me your stories would be invaluable. I can be contacted at home on 02 9487 7445, or alternatively by email. I really do hope to hear from some of you. Best of luck with all your efforts. Thanks for your time, Tara Ravens