LEADING mental health and suicide prevention organisations are joining forces to encourage Australians to talk openly about suicide in a bid to save more lives.
The #YouCanTalk campaign marks a new direction and collaboration for suicide prevention in Australia led by beyondblue, Black Dog Institute, Everymind, headspace, Lifeline, ReachOut and R U OK?
The national campaign will give people the confidence and tools to ask direct questions about suicide if they observe signs family or friends are not themselves or appear deeply troubled.
#YouCanTalk is a direct response to a landmark survey of 3000 people in Australia that found half of all respondents believed only mental health professionals could help prevent suicide.
The campaign aims to mobilise the community and empower family and friends to act as “eyes and ears” to ensure loved ones are supported before reaching crisis point.
This includes recognising the signs that someone may be thinking of suicide, how to talk about it openly and honestly and what to do if someone says they are not coping and need support.
Across Australia, 2866 people died by suicide in 2016.
To find out how to safely talk about suicide, support the campaign or access support services visit www.lifeinmindaustralia.com.au/youcantalk or follow #YouCanTalk on social media.
