Viewpoint

In Australia, suicide remains the leading cause of death in the 15–44 age group. Every year, more than 3,000 Australians die by suicide, and more than 55,000 attempt to take their own lives.

It is a frightening statistic and the heartbreak and pain for the loved ones left behind will never end. The reasons people decide to take such drastic action are many and varied and statistically more men than women are at risk of suicide.

While suicide was not a comfortable topic to discuss for a long time, thankfully, people are now more open about it. Earlier this year two former AFL footballers from the same family took their own lives. Identical twins, Adam and Troy Selwood died three months apart. For a family to experience one son’s death would be unimaginable … but two?

While the media takes more interest when a celebrity or public figure is involved, the bleak reality is that it’s another example that suicide does not discriminate and can affect any family, irrespective of fame, fortune and status.

In response to the growing problem worldwide, the first World Suicide Prevention Day was launched in Stockholm in 2003 as an initiative of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). It was organised as a way of focusing attention on the problem and confirming the message: Suicides are Preventable.

On its website, Suicide Prevention Australia states, ‘Every year on 10 September, communities, organisations and governments across Australia and around the globe come together to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. It is a time to reflect, connect, and recommit to our shared goal of preventing suicide and spreading hope … It’s a call to shift from silence and stigma to openness, empathy and action, to ensure those who are struggling feel heard, supported, and connected. Together, we can help create a future where more lives are saved and more stories are shared. Behind every statistic is a story.’

It is not only the responsibility of governments and organisations such as Suicide Prevention Australia to find answers to this all-too-common tragedy; families and communities can also play their part. Many of us know someone who has struggled with mental health issues and have contemplated suicide as a way of relieving their inner pain.

Thankfully, many don’t go down that dark path and with the help of family and friends (and medical intervention), they fulfil happy and productive lives.

The ramifications of one suicide can reverberate across families, communities and generations. As Suicide Prevention Australia says, ‘Behind every statistic is a story’. Not just a story but a tragedy. 

World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 has the theme, Changing the Narrative on Suicide. For details about what you can do go to: www.suicidepreventionaust.org/world-suicide-prevention-day/

If you or anyone you know needs assistance, contact Lifeline on 13 1114 or Beyond Blue on

1300 22 4636.

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