Statistics show suicide rise

By Catherine Hoffman
New Times Editor & Communications Officer

Posted Mar  9, 2016 in News

According to data released by the Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS), suicide rates in 2014 jumped to 12 deaths per 100,000 people – the highest in a decade.

The ABS released its findings into the leading causes of death in Australia for 2014 on Tuesday 8 March, 2016. The data relating to suicide was a shock to many, particularly given the dramatic increase from 2013.

“The data released today shows that our country is heading in the wrong direction, with the suicide rate growing from 10.9 deaths by suicide per 100,000 Australians in 2013 to 12.0 deaths in 2014,” said Lifeline Australia CEO Pete Shmigel in a statement released on Tuesday.

“It’s time for bold but achievable action from our Government and community leaders.”

The Uniting Church in South Australia has addressed the issue of suicide through the Suicide: it’s no secret campaign, which aims to dispel the stigma of suicide and mental illness. The campaign encourages all communities to talk about this significant issue.

“The recent figures show a tragic trend upwards in suicide rates, particularly among the older age cohorts,” says Adrian Nippress, the Uniting Church SA Transforming Justice Coordinator, referring to the high suicide death rate for males in the 85 years and over category (37.6 per 100,000 males).

“It is of great concern that in both 2013 and 2014 suicide was the leading cause of death of children between five and 17 years of age, resulting in 181 young lives lost.”

The 2014 ABS data showed continuing trends in relation to the gender, age and location of those taking their own lives.

The Uniting Church SA will continue to keep this data in mind as they plan for Suicide: it’s no secret in 2016.

“In January, the Uniting Church SA initiated the formation of an alliance of a wide range of awareness and support agencies to better coordinate our efforts to provide resources to congregations and the community on this challenging health and wellbeing issue,” says Adrian.

So far this alliance includes over 15 different organisations and groups, including Lifeline Australia. By working together the group hopes to have greater impact on the issue and the communities affected by it.

“We are meeting regularly and are looking to run a series of events on mental health in the second half of 2016,” Adrian advises. “Please consider attending one of these events – or contact us to talk about holding one at your church.”

More information about the 2016 events will be communicated in the coming months. For more information, resources or event details, please visit the Suicide: it’s no secret website or contact Adrian Nippress on 8236 4203 or Turn on Javascript! 

If you or someone you know if feeling overwhelmed or thinking about suicide, help is available. For crisis or suicide prevention support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp

---

Comments

Write comment