The following contains references to suicide which may be upsetting to some readers.
According to the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), one in every 100 deaths worldwide is the result of suicide. Those close to someone who has taken their own life often struggle to understand the reasons and wonder how they could have prevented such a devastating action. Similarly, our society struggles with the complex and myriad factors which contribute to suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.
Commemorated annually on 10 September, World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the issues which contribute to suicide and ‘create hope through action’ to reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally. The IASP encourages people to act by:
- Reaching in—making time to listen to a person’s thoughts and feelings if you think they are at risk
- Encouraging understanding—promoting hope and compassion to reduce the stigma around suicidal thoughts and mental health issues can help people feel more comfortable to seek help
- Sharing experiences—the lived experiences of people who have survived a suicide attempt are powerful ways of reaching people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts themselves. Individuals who have experienced a loss through suicide in the past can help the newly bereaved make sense of their own devastating loss.
You can find out more about the work being done to prevent suicide across the globe—including resources you can share in your community or workplace—on the International Association for Suicide Prevention website.
Here at Griffith University, researchers from the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention are dedicated to advancing research and learning in the field of suicide prevention. You can find out more about their important work here.
A range of work produced by Griffith academics about suicide prevention can also be found in the Griffith Research Online repository, including:
- Suicide prevention among youths: Systemic review of available evidence-based interventions and implications for Italy
- Suicide prevention and method restriction: Evaluating the impact of limiting access to lethal means among young Australians
- Suicide prevention and older people: Clinical management
- Suicide prevention for men
- Suicide prevention in Australia
Griffith is committed to student and staff wellbeing and offer counselling services during business hours on (07) 5552 9600.
You can also contact the Griffith Mental Wellbeing Support Line 24 hours, 7 days a week by calling 1300 785 442 or texting 0488 884 146.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or call 000 if you are in an emergency situation.
