Port Botany workers jump on board to support Plebs Pro’s & Personalities 24-hour treadmill run for Suicide Prevention Australia

SUICIDE has hit Andrew Maguire’s life at home and at work with three colleagues and three surfing mates taking their lives in the last decade.

In the last five years, three men who worked beside Mr Maguire at Patrick Stevedores at Port Botany have commited suicide.

“No one really knows the reasons why people get depressed. It could have been work-related or family-related. But for the ones at work, they were all completely left field. No one saw it coming,” he said.

Mr Maguire of Maroubra and about 60 workers from Port Botany will take part in the Plebs Pro’s & Personalities 24-hour treadmill run for Suicide Prevention Australia.

The Maritime Union Australia has sponsored a treadmill for the event.

“Suicide is not a taboo subject anymore it’s happening to too many people,” he said.

“Ask a mate if he’s OK and don’t be afraid to speak up if you need a helping hand.”

Mr Maguire has faced a number of pressures working for Patrick for 24 years.

“It can affect your family life, you experience lack of sleep and there is stress with job security as a lot of the ports are becoming more automated and people are losing jobs and others know it’s coming,” he said.

“But there is always someone to speak to. The Maritime Union is like a big family, a great support network.”

Originally from Bronte, Mr Maguire got involved in last year’s run to support his friend and one of the organisers, Matt Dee, who has lost multiple family members to suicide including his brother and sister.

“Everybody has the potential to suffer from depression, nobody is immune. That’s why it’s so important for people to talk about it,” Mr Maguire said.

THE EVENT

WHAT: Plebs, Pro’s & Personalities for Suicide Prevention 24-hour treadmill run

WHERE: Maroubra Sports Club, Cnr Malabar Rd and Mons Ave, Maroubra

WHEN: June 20, 5pm – June 21.

DID YOU KNOW:

• Most deaths by suicide are among people of working age. Suicide is the leading cause of death for males aged 25–44 years and females aged 25–34 years.

• The World Health Organisation estimates in a company of 1,000 employees, one worker will die by suicide every ten years. For every employee who dies by suicide, another 10–20 will make a suicide attempt. In addition, 200–300 workers will suffer from a serious mental health problem.

SEEK HELP

If you or someone you know may be at risk contact

Lifeline: 13 11 14

SuicideLine: 1300 651 251

Suicide Callback: 1300 659 467

[This originally appeared in the Daily Telegraph 18 May 2014. The original article is here]