Drive

Today, 10 September, is World Suicide Prevention Day, a global initiative to openly discuss and destigmatise the conversation around suicide and its associated mental illnesses. This year’s theme is “Shining a Light on Suicide Prevention”, and is hosted annually by the World Health Organisation, the International and the World Federation for Mental Health.

Drive had a conversation with one of the world-leading researchers into suicide prevention: Emeritus Professor Diego de Leo, former Director of Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention at Griffith University.  Trigger warning: the content discussed in this interview mentions mental health and suicide, and how it affects lives.

If you or anyone you know wants to reach out for help, Lifeline is available at 13 11 14.

You can also reach Beyond Blue at 1300 224 636.

The New South Wales Mental Health line also operates at 1800 011 511.

The Suicide Call Back Service is contactable at 1300 659 467. They provide free immediate support to anyone feeling suicidal. In addition, they can provide ongoing support through up to six 50 minute telephone counselling sessions that will provide you with longer term support. The Suicide Call Back Service also offers online counselling.

Kids Helpline is a free, private, confidential counselling service for young people between ages 5-25. They are reachable at 1800 551 800.

000 is the national emergency number in Australia.

All of the numbers listed above run 24/7/365.