Trigger warning for the next few days as we delve into the realities of suicide.
When I look at these statistics, I feel really sad. If suicide rates can be taken to be somehow reflective of how we are doing as a community in the area of mental health, then we are failing.
If anyone had asked me yesterday, do more people die each day from suicide or road accidents, I would definitely have guessed road accidents.
Today is national suicide prevention day. I think suicide has, in some way, touched most people I know. There is no doubt that suicide has a huge impact on friends, families and whole communities.
Lifeline Australia believes that most suicides are preventable and that advocacy in this area is vital. Given the statistics above, I agree.
Over the next few days we will look at some of the warning signs, and how to have a conversation with someone you are worried about.
The key thing to remember is if you are worried about someone, have a conversation with them. Be open and non-judgemental, validate their pain and don’t try to fix their problems. Let them know they CAN get help and find a counsellor, doctor or therapist to assist.
A great 24-hour resource and support in Australia is Lifeline: 13 11 14.
Take good care of each other.
Source: Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/resources/data-and-statistics/