Suicide is the leading cause of death in people under the age of 44 in Australia and the second leading cause of death in people aged 45-54 years.

Each and every day, on average, over eight people in this country will take their life. That’s eight too many. One day I would like suicide to be like polio – basically eradicated from our society. We just have to find the vaccine.

I guess that’s where the Medical Scientist in me comes in. After school I studied a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery for three years. I was interested in working with people, and helping them. I am not a big fan of hospitals, blood, needles and illness though.

When a family friend in Sydney was hit by a car and killed during my third year of study the reality that we only have one shot at this life really struck me; and I wasn’t convinced studying to be a Doctor and becoming one, was how I wanted to spend mine.

Using the credit from my Medical studies I completed a Bachelor of Medical Science at Sydney University, which I thoroughly enjoyed, majoring in Neuroscience and Pharmacology.

After working in the Pharmaceutical industry for a number of years, my husband and I came back to the property I grew up on when we were expecting our first son to pursue my “life dream” of one day taking over the family farm. We worked in partnership with my Mum and Dad, and had some precious years with them.

At the beginning of 2007, we were in the midst of unprecedented drought. We had 1200 grown cattle and my Dad was shocked and devastated to see a spring he had never in his life seen dry stop flowing. That it had been so dry for so long was just unbelievable.  Our two young sons had never really played in puddles or known the sound of rain falling on the roof.

During Mum and Dad’s annual holiday to the beach that January, Dad died suddenly and unexpectedly through accidental circumstances. Our world was torn apart.

It was at the end of that year that I came to work in suicide prevention. It wasn’t something I had planned to do, but when the opportunity arose, it was a “god-send” to my husband and our young family.

Originally I took a 12-month contract with a project targeting farmer suicide. I didn’t want to leave the farm and my boys to work full-time, and it was extremely difficult, but I thought it would give us some much needed income, be interesting work doing something good, and I could survive 12 months.

I worked with the project for 8 years, being Deputy Coordinator for two years and Coordinator for four years.

Now I work privately in suicide prevention and still do a lot of work with farmers, but also work throughout rural communities with different community groups, businesses, organisations and across all ages.

I am completing my PhD studies with the Australian Institute of Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRAP) at Griffith University in rural wellbeing and suicide prevention.

We must help those who have lost the sense that life is worth living to regain that sense. To put value on themselves, and their one shot at this precious life. To assist them in overcoming physical, mental and/or financial adversity and believing they have a reason to live.

Knowing you are loved and supported, that people care, that you matter, and belong, is critical to all of us.

In a landmark study spanning more than 75 years, researchers at Harvard University have discovered through some of the best science available, that the secret to a long, healthy and happy life depends not on our fame or fortune, but on the quality of our relationships.

Other huge studies have shown the devastating impact that social isolation can have on our health: being socially isolated has the same impact on our health as smoking 15 cigarettes or having 6 standard drinks per day.

Well-researched theories about why people die by suicide show thwarted belongingness, (feeling you don’t belong) is a key risk factor for suicide.

Therefore, being part of a supportive community, whatever that community is, and having respectful companionship, whatever form that takes (it may even be with a pet!) is vital for each of us.

Part of my work is trying to assist people in cultivating this in their personal relationships, their workplaces, and indeed within the broader community and our society. Assisting people to become healthier is the focus of both my work and my research, and the approach I take to suicide prevention.

Part of my work is as a yoga therapist, (I am a level 2 yoga teacher and have completed my Graduate Certificate in Yoga Therapy). As such, I work with a variety of physical and mental illnesses and conditions with clients ranging from school age to almost 90.

Whether working in the community in suicide prevention or with individuals as a yoga therapist, I focus on the inter-relatedness of the physical, mental and social aspects of health. I love translating the best science has to offer, alongside the ancient wisdom of yoga and meditation, into practical tools to assist people in living healthier and happier lives.

I find great meaning and purpose in what I do. I have so many reasons to get out of bed (usually very early!) each morning. And if I can pass that on to others, and be a small part of the vaccination of our communities to help people feel they matter, have a role to play and belong, then my life will have been worthwhile.

None of us should die by suicide. None of us should be left behind following the death of a loved one to suicide. Each one of us truly does have a role to play.

Reach out to someone you care about today. Let them know you care, that they matter and they belong. And remember: so do you!