Mental health problems prevalent

Mr Honey said the region’s issue with drug use could also be a contributing factor. 

“To me the answer is very much focusing on education and starting on when children are quite young,” he said. 

“ We need to address the root causes in the way people talk to themselves and think about their emotions. 

“We need to teach people that feelings are normal and they can be managed and dealt with.”

Stigma surrounding mental health still existed locally, according to Mr Honey, but the state government was helping promote the issue because of the economic impact it was having across the state, he said. 

“Briefly we can find ourselves in very poor mental health. We may be down for a while. But it’s important to have an understanding that feelings are not permanent – they come and go,” he said.

“Human problems need to be thought through and worked out in a more rational and logical way, rather than medicating and labeling.”

If you need support contact Lifeline on 131 114, or visit beyondblue.org.au.