Tessa helps SOS Yorkes build

He died by suicide in 2006 and nine years on, his daughter Tessa Colliver is dedicated to helping prevent suicide in her community.

"Dad had some personal issues and was also having some health problems especially with his eye sight," she said.

"He took himself to hospital and I believe it was because he was feeling suicidal.

"At the hospital he was diagnosed with depression and also Graves' disease which I understand was a cause of the depression.

"He was given anti-depressants but the focus was on treating Graves' disease."

Tessa knew her father was struggling but had no idea how much or that he was suicidal.

Gary was prescribed anti-depressants but one week later, before they could work, he took his own life, aged 54.

"Dad lost a lot of weight and was very anxious," Tessa said.

"He had been healthy all of his life so I think what was happening was confusing."

She said her father was a typical bloke who did not realise he had a real illness, and seeking help was considered weak.

Tessa is working to change the stigma attached to mental health and suicide and spread awareness on education and services available.

Last year, a suicide prevention group was started on Yorke Peninsula and Tessa promptly joined up.

Since then, the group has named itself SOS Yorkes and is part of the SA Network of Suicide Prevention Networks. Tessa was appointed group secretary.

"Our goal is to connect people to build resilience, prevent, respond to and recover from suicide," she said.

"We want to breakdown the stigma so as a community we are able to comfortably discuss suicide and support each other with consideration and kindness."

SOS Yorkes is officially launching its action plan on October 18 at the Stansbury Community Fun Day.

The group is also coordinating a Menswatch program for YP, to be held in Maitland early next year.

Recently, the Fat Farmers group which took part in the City to Bay fun run raised funds to support the program.

"The idea is to train men to be peer support leaders in their communities," Tessa said.

"They are provided with beneficial information about depression and how to help their mates."

One in every six blokes is affected by depression and often left unsupported in crisis, and the program promotes early intervention, support and referral to address that.

"Menswatch was specifically developed for men in rural and remote communities," Tessa said.

"It was first offered in response to a drought in 2002.

"Often when a man is in trouble he will talk to a male friend so it promotes mateship in a very specific way."

Tessa said SOS Yorkes had shown her the need for the group and Menswatch program in the local community.

"But we still have a long way to go with people talking about the issues," she said.

"It is important to raise awareness about mental health and to talk about it in an open way.

"It frustrates me that if someone has a broken arm it is obvious they need help; mental health needs to be treated in the same way."

Details: SOS Yorkes chairperson Vanessa Boully 0421 020 579 or email sosyorkes@gmail.com

If you or someone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.