What is world suicide prevention day?

Starting in 2003 on September the 10th, World Suicide Prevention Day is a globally recognised awareness campaign through the collaboration between the International Association of Suicide Prevention, the World Health Organisation and the World Federation of Mental Health.

In the first year, the initiative was introduced with the primary strategy being:

1. ‘The organisation of global, regional and national multi-sectoral activities to increase awareness about suicidal behaviors and how to effectively prevent them.’

2. ‘The strengthening of countries’ capabilities to develop and evaluate national policies and plans for suicide prevention. 

With suicide still being the leading cause of death for Australian’s between 15-45 years of age, Suicide Prevention Australia have released the findings from a recent YouGov Poll of over 1000 Australians to further understand possible preventative strategies.  Some of the key findings from this poll include:

• 56% of Australian adults personally know someone who has died by suicide. That’s equivalent to 10.8 million Australians. 
• 50% of young Australians (18-25) reported knowing someone who had died by suicide.
• 54% of Australians think young people (12-25) are at biggest risk of suicide in the next decade (2020s), closely followed by middle aged Australians (25-55; 48%).
• This is compared to traditional at-risk communities such as men (37%); Indigenous Australians (21%) and LGBTQI Australians (19%).
• 71% of Australians want all government decisions to consider the risk of suicide and have clear plans in place to mitigate any negative impacts following from the decision

The poll also revealed the primary concerns of possible risk factors towards suicide with the following breakdown: 

1. Drugs and alcohol (65%);
2. Cost of living and personal debt (63%);
3. Social isolation and loneliness (62%);
4. Economy and job security (52%);
5. Family and relationships (49%).

It is important to continue studies and polls such as the one by Suicide Prevention Australia to maintain not only the conversation of mental health but hopefully create active measures and policies which address and combat the rising crisis of suicide in Australia. 

If you would like to read more about the Poll hosted by SPA, please click here. 

We encourage everyone to make this day in particular, the one where you reach out, either for yourself or to a friend or family member who may be struggling. 

And of all days especially consider our message that It Ain’t Weak to Speak. 

If you feel you do need help, please visit our Get Help Page for information on services that can help you.