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September focus – Suicide prevention

World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 – Changing the Narrative on Suicide

online community engagement

On September 10th each year, communities from Australia and across the globe come together to commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day. This day is led by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organisation to raise awareness of suicide prevention and spread hope.

This year’s theme, ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’, invites us to shift the way we think and talk about suicide. Moving away from stigma and silence toward openness and empathy is vital to help those who are struggling feel heard, supported and connected.

World Suicide Prevention Day acknowledges the 3,000 Australians who die by suicide each year, the 55,000 who make an attempt, and the family members, friends and communities that are affected. As the leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 44 in Australia, suicide is an issue that touches many lives and calls for understanding and action.

This World Suicide Prevention Day, CHN encourages primary health care professionals, allied health professionals, and the wider community to revisit the warning signs that may indicate someone is thinking about suicide, and to reflect on how to have open, supportive conversations that can make a difference.

If you're a community member, please consider responding to the poll, or the survey if you're a health or wellbeing professional working in primary care or allied health.

To take survey anonymously, please log out.

The survey is now closed. Thanks for participating.

Information and resources for primary care and allied health

Suicide prevention and first aid: A resource for GPs 
Developed by the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC), this resource provides essential information to help GPs recognise and respond to suicidality in their day-to-day practice.  

Suicidal thoughts and behaviours: Mental Health First Aid Guidelines 
These guidelines are designed to help members of the public provide first aid to someone who is at risk of suicide, and can be a key starting point for improving knowledge on how to assist during a crisis. 

Our words matter: Guidelines for language use 
This guide was developed by Everymind, and provides recommendations for specific language and phrasing when talking about wellbeing, mental health, suicide, and alcohol and other drugs. Using inclusive, understandable, and empowering language can reduce stigma and help people to feel safe.  

Beyond Now Safety Planning 
Beyond Now is a free app and website offered by Lifeline that can assist people to manage distress or suicidal thoughts by creating a structured safety plan.  

Conversations Matter: Supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities 
This resource contains information and practical tips for discussing suicide in a sensitive and safe way with individuals, families, and communities from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.  

 

References:

Understanding Why Patients May Not Report Suicidal Ideation at a Health Care Visit Prior to a Suicide Attempt: A Qualitative Study | Psychiatric Services

Tang, S et al. People who die by suicide wihtout receiving mental health services: A systematic review. Fronteirs in Public Health, 2022, 9.

Use of health services preceding suicide - Suicide & self-harm monitoring - AIHW

Thoughts, ideation and suicide attempts - Suicide & self-harm monitoring - AIHW

Safety

This page discusses suicide and suicidality, which may be distressing for some. If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, please remember support is available. If you need support, you can contact: 

If the situation is life-threatening, please call 000 immediately. 

Community member Quick Poll

Quick poll for community members

Suicide in Australia and the ACT

Fear of healthcare provider response can hinder suicide disclosure. Empathic listening helps people feel safe and more willing to share.

The majority of people who die by suicide have not had contact with mental health professionals in the year prior to their death.

49% of 15-64 year olds who die by suicide have no contact with a hospital in the preceding year.

16.7% of Australians 16-85 have experienced suicidal ideation at some point in their lives, and 4.9% have attempted suicide.

Capital Health Network acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the country on which we work and live, and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders past and present.