Some facts about suicide and its prevention

After this week's news of the tragic loss to suicide of two prominent figures in Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, I would like to share some facts about suicide and its prevention.

Firstly, though, I would like to put suicide into its broader context. Around 40% of us will have had some close experience with suicide, either having lost someone (a family member, classmate or a colleague) to suicide and/or having known someone who has. This week, one young Western Australian under the age of 25 will take their own life; almost one Western Australian dies by suicide each day. Around half of us will experience a mental illness in our lifetime. Around 80% of completed suicides are by people who have had a diagnosed mental illness.*

1. Most suicides are preventable. With appropriate professional care and personal support networks, most suicides are preventable.
2. There are signs that someone is not feeling OK. Pay attention to changes in mood or appearance, withdrawal from sports or social activities and/or language that implies a sense of hopelessness.
3. Talking safely and openly about suicide will not plant a seed of suicidal thought. Proactively talking about suicide in a safe, respectful and non-judgemental way will make it easier for someone to open up about their feelings and - in turn - to take the often difficult first step to seeking all-important help.

So, please take the time to look out for one another. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call Lifeline 13 11 14. If you're aged 12-25 and would like to talk to someone, please call Youth Focus 08 6266 4333. Also, please be sure to reach out to your GP, your workplace EAP, your school or uni counsellor, or a trusted family member or friend.

*If you would like the sources for these stats, please let me know.