This is an ABC podcast.

Hello, my name is Rowena Cox.

I'm from Halls Creek, which is up in the Kimberleys and WA.

I'm a Jailu woman. I'm a community liaison officer in the Kimberley

Aboriginal suicide prevention trials that's happening here as we speak. It's all in the mind in this

NAIDOP week 2020. I'm Lynne Malcolm. It's all in the mind in this NADOC week 2020. I'm Lynne Malcolm.

It's estimated that Australian Indigenous suicide rates are at least double the general population.

And amongst the young it's five times higher.

Today we hear from researchers, practitioners and those with lived experience who are dedicated to stemming the tide of suicide in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

If you're disturbed by anything in today's program, you can call for support on Lifeline, 13114.

I lost my son to suicide back in 2012.

He was 19 years old.

He was going through his own personal issues,

such as drug and alcohol problems, also relationships

problems. I wasn't aware that he did he had a mental health issue, but he did seem a bit down

the time before taking his life. It was very devastating because back then I did not realize all the issues.

I mean, I was actually going through a lot with my own personal life and I didn't really

notice all the issues that he was confronting until after he had passed away when I came to the

conclusion and I got closure on what was happening

in his life at that time, which I discovered, you know, was the effects of drugs and alcohol

and also relationship problems.

Rowena Cox, more from her shortly about her passion for suicide prevention amongst her people.

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