This week I had a late night call to an unattended death in a unit block of 10 in the Sutherland Shire. An 82 year old man had passed away in the bathroom around a month ago. He had hit his head on a hard tiled floor, there was a large amount of blood over the floor because the floor drain was covered over. 

It turns out, this elderly man has lived alone for years after his wife passed away. He kept to himself. NSW Police could locate no next of kin at all in Australia. As of writing this, police have moved their search for a next of kin to the UK. 

In the United States, after 9/11 and then Hurricane Katrina , the American Government set up The American Next of Kin Registry.  Based on the effects of these devastating events, that Holroyd Local Area Command, NSW developed their own database – the New South Wales Next of Kin Register (according to the NSW Parliament Hansard, March 2010).

This database can assist emergency services to help to locate a relative or other nominated person.  While it is a free  service and you do need to register in person at Merrylands Police Station.

After the ‘perfect storm of misery’ – depression, substance abuse and mental health – has hit, the services of Clean Queens is often required.

The other day I was engaged by Josh, a young man in his 30’s.  18 months ago, Josh had taken in a young 20-something year old Aaron as a new flatemate.  Aaron was a fresh-faced boy from the country who had moved to Sydney.  Josh took him under his wing, as a flat mate, friend and buddy.

As the friendship grew, Josh realised Aaron suffered depression and he supported him as much as he could.

Sadly, last week their 18 month bond ended unexpectantly.

One ordinary weeknight after a normal coversation – the next morning Josh feared the unthinkable had happened. Local police kicked down the bedroom door to get to Aaron where grim reality revealed ‘the black dog’ of depression had bit overnight.

Aaron had committed suicide in his bedroom.

Suicide by 25-34 and 35-44 year olds made up 47% of total suicide deaths in 2001. The majority of these deaths were male.

If you’re depressed, please get help. Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide callback service on 1300 659 467 are both there 24 hours 7 days a week.

In the meantime, tell someone if you’re feeling depressed. Find someone to talk to if you’ve got thoughts of suicide. I would love nothing more than to see this the dark visitor of depression and suicide to disappear completely from all of our lives.

Lifeline
Suicide call back service
MensLine Australia
Beyond Blue

Don’t delay.
Get help today.