Perth man issues emotional plea after two brothers take their lives
A Perth man has issued an emotional and desperate plea for people to start talking about mental health after both of his brothers committed suicide.
Devastated by the loss of his older siblings in the space of seven months, Liam Ramsey created a video encouraging people to speak up about suicide in a bid to help prevent it.
Liam’s eldest brother Brett took his own life in May last year at the age of 33, and on Wednesday this week Jai, 31, died the same way.
“If it wasn't such a cultural taboo maybe Brett wouldn’t have felt like it was his only option towards the end.. and if he hadn't done it then maybe Jai wouldn’t have done it and I'd still have two brothers,” Liam told Seven News Perth.
“I just miss them... I just miss them both.”
Sadly Liam's family isn't alone. Suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44. A statistic Liam says need to change
He is still trying to comprehend that both his brothers are gone, but put his video on social media to help others.
The video has already had thousands of views.
But while Liam's humbled by the response and comments, his focus will now shift to helping plan Jai's funeral and being there for his parents as the deal with the death of another son.
“Mum... she's almost inconsolable at times... I don't think she completely comprehends.. how she's going to get through it,” Liam adds
“I'm in a constant battle with myself over whether I could have done or said something that would have changed it.”
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
This article originally appeared on The West Australian.
