WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY

World Suicide Prevention Day is tomorrow 10 September, and Lifeline South Coast is taking the opportunity to remind the Illawarra community that they all have a role to play in suicide prevention.

“Every day in Australia, around six people take their own lives,” Lifeline South Coast Executive Director, Grahame Gould said today.

“This means that each year more people are dying by suicide in Australia than are dying on our roads, or from skin cancer.  And while these other issues are rightly topics that rate highly on the public agenda, suicide remains a taboo.

“That’s why Lifeline is looking to break down the stigma associated with suicide, and help to dispel the myths that many believe to be true in connection with suicidal ideation.”

Facts about suicide
    1) suicide is a mostly preventable cause of death
    2) around 2200 people take their own lives in Australia each year (ABS Data)
        a. road deaths are around 1600
        b. skin cancer deaths are around 1800
            i. It is estimated that the national figures on deaths by suicide may be 20% - 30% under-reported due to different reporting protocols across states and territories, burden of proof for coroners and stigma/religious reasons that prevent disclosures
    3) suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 44 in Australia
        a. men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women
    4) suicide is the leading cause of death for women under 34 in Australia
    5) people who attempt or complete suicide generally do not want to die, rather they want to escape unbearable pain or circumstance
    6) it is estimated that 3.3% of Australian’s adult population – 600,000 people – have attempted suicide at some point in their lives

“We all have a role to play in preventing suicide. Australians from all cultures and backgrounds can help by letting their friends and family know that it is safe to talk about suicide and that help is available at all times, like Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis line 13 11 14.”

Lifeline South Coast offers a half day presentation called safeTALK to workplaces and organisations aimed at increasing awareness in the community about suicide. Participants learn to recognise when someone may have thoughts of suicide and to respond in ways that link them with further suicide intervention help. There is a cost involved based on the number of participants.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a personal crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For more information about Lifeline’s services, or to find out about our online Crisis Support Chat Service, visit www.lifeline.org.au

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Grahame Gould is available for interview by calling 0409 912 391

For further information:
Clare Leslie
Marketing and PR Manager
0402 068 597