Understanding Youth Suicide in Australia: Time to Get Serious about Prevention and Support
Why do we hear so little about suicide and so much about car accidents and substance use amongst young people? This may be partly due to the topic still being a bit taboo. At the very least most of use find the topic more than a little uncomfortable. However, there are good reasons to get more comfortable talking about suicide.
Suicide is the leading cause of death among young people in Australia, surpassing car accidents and substance use . According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare “298 Australian young people (aged 18–24 years) took their own lives” in 2023. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for effective prevention strategies and mental health support for our youth.
Men are particularly vulnerable, accounting for more than two-thirds of youth suicides in Australia. The situation is even more dire in Tasmania, where suicide rates are significantly higher than the national average.
Prevention is key to promoting good mental health and addressing the stigma surrounding mental illness. Encouraging young people to seek help and providing them with the necessary support can make a significant difference.
In the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Strategy 2023-2027, people with lived experience of mental illness encourage us all to take a more active role, saying that “People need to reach in when a person can’t reach out”.
One effective strategy for helping people to “reach in” is providing them with Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. This training helps young people to assist their friends and helps adults to support young people. The courses shows you how to recognise and respond to mental health issues, and actions you can take to create a supportive environment where young people feel understood and valued. More importantly, it provides participants with skills and confidence to help young people seek professional help early. Getting help early is key to recovering better and faster.
By investing in skills that focus on prevention and support, we can create a safer and healthier future for our youth. We can work together to break the stigma and ensure that every young person has access to the help they need.
What Can You Do?
Take a Youth Mental Health First Aid course to increase your knowledge, skills, and confidence in supporting a young person experiencing mental health problems.
Encourage open conversations about mental health to reduce stigma and promote understanding.
Support and listen to young people in your community, offering a safe space for them to express their feelings.
Be aware of the signs of mental health issues and be prepared to provide support or seek professional help if needed.
Promote self-help and self-care strategies among young people, such as regular physical activity, healthy eating, adequate sleep, social connections and a sense of purpose. These can help build resilience and improve overall mental well-being.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of young people and help create a community where mental health is prioritised and supported.