The Ripple Effect of Suicide

Saturday 10th September 2016 was World Suicide Prevention Day.

Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) and the University of New England have collaborated on a national report, released on WSPD which shows just how much of a serious public health issue suicide really is in Australia. The project surveyed more than 3000 people and is the first Australian study which explores the exposure to, and impact of suicide among the adult population.THE FACTS:

  • Over 800,000 people die worldwide by suicide each year.
  • Figures show that 2,864 Australians took their own life in 2014.
  • 65,000 people attempt suicide each year.
  • More than 400,000 people think about suicide each year.

With these facts in mind, exactly how many people are impacted by or exposed to suicide? Consider the tragic ripple effect when Australian research shows that 89% of people surveyed knew someone who had attempted suicide, while 85% of people surveyed knew someone who had died by suicide.Access the report on the SPA website here.Recommendations made from the report:

  1. Increase community awareness about suicide prevention and educate communities on suicide and the broad spectrum of suicidal behaviours to help build capacity within the community to give and get help.
  2. Recognise lived experience of suicide as a public health issue of significance in Australia.
  3. Develop and support a National Suicide Prevention Strategy, including a dedicated component addressing the long-term exposure and impact of suicide.
  4. Prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention and culturally appropriate suicide prevention strategies. National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy implementation funds must be released as a matter of urgency.
  5. Ensure consistent comprehensive discharge plans are developed and implemented for all patients upon being discharged from the health system including the involvement of family, close contacts and community services.
  6. Engage the Productivity Commission to conduct a detailed independent assessment of the cost of suicidal behaviour in Australia. This assessment should include the costs associated with exposure to, and impact of, suicidal behaviour, as well as suicide deaths.

 If you find yourself in crisis and need someone to talk to, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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