Suicide data getting better but more needs to be done

Release date: 15 Mar 2006

Australia Bureau of Statistics data showing a downward trend in reported suicide deaths in Australia provides encouragement but is no cause for complacency, says Lifeline Australia CEO, Dawn Smith.

Ms Smith said that while the decline is to be welcomed, the reality is that too many Australians are dying unnecessarily because most people don’t know how to recognise the signs of, or deal with, people who are suicidal.

Ms Smith says the data shows an overall drop of nearly 23 per cent in reported suicides during the seven years between 1997 and 2004, with 2001 the only year to record an increase. In 2004, there were 622 fewer reported suicides than in 1997. Australian suicide rates, which take into account population changes, have fallen during this period from 14.7 suicides per 100,000 people to 10.4 in 2004.

“The reality is the decline in suicide rates has not been uniform across all age-groups and there are some important gender differences in the trends,” she said. “While the overall rates are lower for people under 40, the rates for women under 25 increased in 2004. Also there is little reduction in suicide rates for those over 60 years of age.”

“We are moving in the right direction but there is so much more that can and should be done,” she said. “If you look at the turn around in road deaths in the same period you can see the impact awareness and education campaigns can have in saving lives.”

A key challenge is to help the downward trend in suicide deaths continue but also identify and respond to people at risk now.

“I believe many of the suicides could have been prevented if more people understood how to respond to people with suicidal thoughts. People can make a big difference. They can talk to the person about the issue – listen to their concerns, help them get to help. They can help people stay safe and re-connect with reasons for living. Suicide prevention is everyone’s business, not just mental health professionals.”

Ms Smith said Lifeline telephone counsellors were taking about 100 suicide related calls, or about eight per cent or all calls to Lifeline, every day of the year.

“While most people who consider suicide get through thecrisis those that suicide have a devastating impact on the people they leave behind. Families and friends often live with the impact for the rest of their lives.”

This highlights the importance of paying attention to peoples’ distress. Common signs include talk of hopelessness, sudden mood swings or loss of interest in things like hobbies or work. Be especially alert to any talk of suicide.

“The most important thing that friends and family can do is to take the person seriously. Anyone expressing suicidal thoughts needs immediate attention. Suicidal behavior is a cry for help and most people can get through the crisis with the right help.”

“You don’t need to say much and there are no magic words but you can respond to their distress and ask if they are having thoughts of suicide. If you think they are suicidal don’t leave them alone. Help them to stay safe and help them to get professional help. Do not try to go it alone. Get help for the person and for yourself. You can start by calling one of our Lifeline counselors on 13 11 14.”

Ms Smith says there are a number ways people can learn more about helping people at risk of suicide to stay safe and to get further help.

Since the mid 1990s Lifeline’s LivingWorks program has provided training in suicide first aid prevention though the internationally recognised ASIST program. About 36,000 Australians have completed the two day workshop.

“We can’t measure and will never know for certain how important our role has been in reducing suicide numbers. But it is plausible to believe that responding to more than 150,000 suicide calls and training 36,000 ASIST caregivers throughout the country has played some role in helping prevent some suicides.”

As well as LivingWorks Lifeline also produces a ten point tool kit for helping someone at risk of suicide that will help people identify the signs, decide what to do, and learn what help is available. The tool kit is available by calling Lifeline’s Just ask on 1300 13 11 14 during business hours or by visiting the Just ask web site at www.justask.org.au. People interested in doing LivingWorks can find out more by visiting www.livingworks.org.au.

Media Contact: Ian Paterson (ph: (02) 6215 9400 or 0410 44 22 36)