Each year, more than 65,000 people living in Australia will attempt suicide and over 3,000 will die by suicide.
Observed on 10 September every year, World Suicide Prevention Day focuses attention on the issue, reduces stigma, and raises awareness among organisations, government, and the public, giving a singular message – that suicide can be prevented.
“Creating hope through action” is the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021 – 2023. This is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide. By creating hope through action, we can signal to people experiencing suicidal thoughts that there is hope and that we care and want to support them. It also suggests that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.
This World Suicide Prevention Day Beyond Blue is encouraging people who experience suicidal thoughts to explore the benefits of suicide safety planning.
Safety plans bring together coping tools, support contacts, and reasons for living together in a series of easy-to-follow steps. They are designed to be used as part of an overall mental wellbeing and safety strategy and are not intended to be the only form of support.
You can create a safety plan using Beyond Blue’s Beyond Now app.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available – Please reach out to one of these services:
- Beyond Blue – Phone 1300 224 636
- Lifeline – Phone 13 11 14
- headspace
- Head to Health – Phone 1800 595 212
- Kids Helpline – Phone 1800 55 1800
- Suicide Call Back Service – Phone 1300 659 467
- StandBy Support After Suicide – Phone 1300 727 247
If you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact emergency services on 000.
Visit Mental Health and Wellbeing to see the services Gateway Health provides.
