James found a way to manage suicidal thoughts and reconnect with his wife.

Aftercare Coordinator (Suicide Postvention)

James, a 35-year-old farm worker with a wife and two children, had been under immense stress due to the rising cost of living and relationship issues when he attempted to take his own life. Following an involuntary hospital stay, he was briefly supported by the Wheatbelt Community Mental Health Service (WMHS) before being referred to our Wheatbelt Aftercare Coordinator Program.

Together, James and his clinician developed a safety plan to help him manage his thoughts, feelings and triggers that may lead to suicidal thoughts or behaviours. They also connected James with a GP so he could get a prescription for medication to manage anxiety and stress.

And crucially, with James’ consent, his clinician provided support for his family, which included connecting his wife and children to local support services.

Six weeks later, James returned to some part-time work and his relationship with his wife was improving. He felt he could talk with his wife about things that worried him, so they could solve problems together, and he was grateful for the support Holyoake had provided him, his wife and kids.