HOW A MEANINGFUL CONVERSATION CAN CHANGE A LIFE

Today is RUOK? Day.

It’s an important day that encourages people to take the time to start a meaningful conversation with someone they are worried about.

Starting a conversation with someone – a family member, a friend or a colleague – who is struggling can make a difference and it’s something each one of us can do.

 

And that conversation can start with four simple steps:

Australia has a strong track record when it comes to mental health and suicide prevention awareness.

 

Slowly but surely, we are starting to reduce the stigma around mental health and suicide.

 

As a community we are talking more about our mental health - and this is a good thing.

 

But sadly, for all of the hard work and dedication, suicide continues to affect far too many Australians.

 

2,866 Australians died from suicide in 2016. There is an average of around 8 deaths by suicide in Australia each day.

 

Sadly, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are still approximately twice as likely to die by suicide than non- Indigenous Australians.

 

In 2016, suicide was the leading cause of death among all people 15 – 44 years of age and the third leading cause of death among those 45 – 54 years of age.

 

These statistics are heartbreaking and confronting.

 

One death by suicide is too many.

 

Labor knows there is more work to be done to improve the mental health of Australians and to further reduce the thousands of lives lost to suicide each year.

 

There is also the impact on families, friends and colleagues – behind every loss is a community dealing with grief.

 

Labor’s thoughts are with those that have lost a loved one to suicide today and every day.

 

It is only by working together that we will be able to finally reduce the impact of suicide in our society.

 

Labor continues to be a strong supporter of RUOK? Day.

 

Raising community awareness around suicide prevention must continue and one way we can all make a difference on RUOK? Day is to start a meaningful conversation with someone you might be worried about.

 

We also take this opportunity to thank the dedicated individuals and organisations like RUOK? who are committed to working towards reducing Australia’s suicide rate.

 

** For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Other services include Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467, Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636, Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800, MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978 **