Working together to prevent suicide

Today (10 September 2019) marks World Suicide Prevention Day across the globe and provides a unique opportunity to collectively shine a light on suicide prevention both politically and at a community level.

Harnessing this momentum is critical to ensure productive and meaningful solutions are put in place to drive suicide rates down.

Suicide Prevention Australia CEO, Nieves Murray said, “Never before have we seen so much political attention focused on suicide prevention. Governments at a state and national level are focused and some are now calling suicide prevention a priority.

It is a national tragedy that we lose so many people to suicide. We can all make a difference in the lives of those who might be struggling by having regular, meaningful conversations about life's ups and downs. Working together to prevent suicide, raise awareness and encourage conversations is important,” said Ms Murray.

Everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide. Choices we make today can help prevent suicide.

Suicide prevention remains a universal challenge. Every year, suicide is among the top 20 leading causes of death globally for people of all ages.

“World Suicide Prevention Day provides an opportunity for each and every one of us to share our grief about those we have lost to suicide, speak about how we’re feeling and also share the responsibility of preventing suicide,” said R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton.

“Remember, you don't need to be a clinician, a GP, or a nurse to check-in with someone you are worried about - just a good friend and a great listener,” said Ms Newton.

Some conversations can be too big for friends and family. If you’re worried about someone and feel they need professional support, encourage them to connect with a trusted health professional like their GP.

Suicide is a prominent community concern in Australia with the ABS reporting 3,128 deaths by suicide in 2017. Globally, it is responsible for over 800,000 deaths.

The recently released report titled Psychosocial risk factors for coroner-referred deaths in Australia also identified problems in relationships and economic circumstances as key factors when it came to suicidality. This means that we have to start looking at suicide as more than a mental health issue.

“We believe that through collaborative effort and shared purpose, we can achieve our shared vision of a world without suicide,” said Ms Murray.

World Suicide Prevention Day is organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP).

Contact details:

Annabel Bowman, PR & Media Manager R U OK?

[email protected]

Helpful resources

·Learn how to identify the signs that someone may be struggling on R U OK’s website.

·For pointers on how to start safe conversations around suicide check the #YouCanTalk campaign here.

·To get help 24/7, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

·Help to report about suicide safely is available online: Go to www.mindframe.org.au