Leading mental health and suicide prevention organisations across the nation are collaborating to support #YouCanTalk – a campaign to encourage, empower and equip Australians to play a more active role in suicide prevention.
The campaign is based on University of Melbourne research that showed many people wanted to do more to prevent suicide but were uncertain how, or worried that they may cause more distress .
Launching today, #YouCanTalk calls on all Australians to play a more active role in preventing suicide in their own communities.
National Suicide Prevention Adviser, Christine Morgan said it was important to have a conversation with any friend, family member or colleague you suspect may be having thoughts of suicide.
“We know families, friends and communities are playing a critical role in suicide prevention, especially in our rural and remote communities.
#YouCanTalk is about getting resources and tools into the hands of people who need them so they can navigate important conversations with people around them.” Ms Morgan said.
The holiday period can be a particularly difficult time for many Australians. Feelings of loneliness and isolation during the Christmas and New Year period can be common.
While it can be difficult to talk about suicide, research shows anyone can have a positive influence on a friend, family or work colleague they are worried about by starting a conversation, and supporting them to seek help.
To learn more about starting a conversation with someone who you feel may be experiencing thoughts of suicide, please visit: www.lifeinmindaustralia.com.au/youcantalk
For immediate support – if you or someone you know needs support or is considering suicide – please contact 000 if life is in danger, Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).
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