Call to fix youth depression

By Bridget Cook
A BERWICK father who lost his son to suicide last month has one message for others heading down that track – there’s always a way out.
Robert Creek’s son Aaron took his own life on 3 November at the age of 20.
Mr Creek has now joined the fight to stop other youths from going down the same track, joining the ‘Save a Life’ organisation.
Mr Creek said he would remember his son as an intelligent and lovable young man, and cherished their many happy memories they shared.
“Unfortunately for Aaron, he found his way into drugs and started to get off track,” he said.
“He lost interest in sports and school and those sorts of things, and had some issues with depression and anxiety.
“As time went on, that mixed with illegal drugs and prescriptions drugs, he lost his way.”
Mr Creek said his son’s death highlighted the whole issue around depression and illegal drugs these days.
“Prescription drugs are far too easy to get a hold of and illegal drugs are everywhere,” he said.
“For young kids today, it’s so easy for them to get a hold of these things. They need to think about what they are doing on weekends and how it’s affecting them.” Mr Creek said a lot needed to be done to fix the issues.
“A lot of education is required, for parents and not just kids” he said.
“Kids don’t need people my age telling them the issues, they need young people they can relate to, to do so.
“The government also needs to take some ownership of the issue and not just pay it lip service.
“Suicide is an epidemic among our young people.
“Then, of course, there are also the issues of who do children go to when they realise they are in trouble. My son tried to get help and was turned away.”
Mr Creek said many in the area were affected by the issue and ‘Save a Life’ was a step in the right direction.
“I know for a fact that there are lots of parents out there touched by these issues of suicide, drug use and depression who are throwing there hands up in the air and don’t know what to do next,” he said.
“Anything that raises awareness in the general community is a good thing, but like anything, any outcomes that come from raising awareness need to be targeted.
“Awareness might make a young person think about their relationships, talk about how they are feeling, think about what they are doing on weekends and how it affects them.
“It may be enough to change their outlook on life.”
Mr Creek said he had one message to anyone heading down the same path as his son.
“Life’s never that bad,” he said.
“Unfortunately, these kids find themselves in a very dark place and can’t find the door out. But there is always a way out.
“Talk to your parents and each other.
“Kids have to take an interest in each other and ask questions.
“If you think something is wrong with a friend, don’t be afraid to speak up. Never be afraid to raise an issue with your parents or the ones you trust.
“It’s never that bad,” he said.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 131114.