Acknowledgements endorsements Background methodology executive Summary 11 Recommendations 22 Article — general obligations 38

High Rates of Suicide

172. 
     Suicide in Australia is the leading cause of death among men aged 16–44 and among women 16–34 years of age. Every day more than seven people in Australia die as a result of suicide and more than one third of those were discharged too early or without care from hospitals. Over 330 people with serious psychosocial disability are turned away from emergency departments each day and 1,200 people are refused admission to a public or private psychiatric unit.⁹⁹ The lack of available services for people with psychosocial disability is in stark contrast to the universal health care provided for other health care concerns such as cancer. The lack of mental health and suicide prevention services indicates an inequality on the basis of disability in the ability to enjoy the right to life and survival. (See also Articles 25 and 26)
     

Case Study

“My youngest daughter committed suicide three years ago. She had three young children who she loved. After experiencing post-natal depression, she was not referred to an appropriate service. Before she died she told me ‘Mum, I wish I had cancer, then people would be more understanding and caring’.”¹⁰⁰