While there is currently no population-based data on completed suicides by LGBTI people in Australia, recent research has indicated that mental ill-health, self-harm, suicide attempt and suicidal ideation rates amongst LGBTI people are disproportionately higher than that of the general population.
The recent debate surrounding the Australian Marriage Equality Survey demonstrated the negative impact inaccurate and insensitive communication can have on the LGBTI community with an increase in use of LGBTI mental health services across the country. For this reason, now more than ever, it is important to make sure issues related to LGBTI communities are communicated in a way which keeps the community safe. Mindframe is a program supporting the media and other sectors in the responsible and accurate communication of suicide and mental illness. Mindframe has developed guidelines for the safe and accurate portrayal of suicide and mental illness. The program acknowledges the increased need for resources and support for the mental health of the LGBTI community. Consequently, it has specific resources for the reporting of mental illness and suicide in LGBTI communities. This oral presentation will explore Mindframe guidelines and resources and help promote the capacity of stakeholders to use the guidelines in their work to support the mental health of LGBTI people.
Presenter: Brydie Jameson
Brydie joined Everymind in May 2017, as a Project Officer with the Suicide Prevention team, and is currently involved in the delivery of the Mindframe National Media Initiative. She has Bachelor of Health Sciences from the University of Sydney and is currently completing a Master of Public Health with the University of Newcastle. Brydie has a keen interest in health promotion and preventative health. Prior to joining the Institute, Brydie worked in the child protection sector and has extensive experience working with individuals and families with lived experience of mental illness and suicide. In 2016, Brydie moved to New York City to participate in an internship with the United Nations, Division for Social Policy and Development.