Youth suicide rates have almost halved since 1997, a recent report card states.
The figures put suicide rates of 15-24 year olds at 10 per 100 000, a drop from 19 in 1997.
Alan Woodward, executive director of the Lifeline Foundation, said the decline is “something that Australians can be justifiably pleased about”.
Source: Flickr aidan_jones
The Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) launched The Wellbeing of Young Australians report card (which can be downloaded here) on Friday March 15.
‘…mental health is a serious issue.’
Director of Youth Action, Eamon Waterford attributes the drop to a change in the way Australia as a society understands mental illness.
“ It’s primarily about an understanding by us, a society, that mental health is a serious issue. And we see that through government funding of programs like Headspace and Reach out and constant discussion that mental health issues factor into all other aspects of life.”
During the 90s, Australia had a particularly high youth suicide rate in comparison to other OECD countries. The government responded with a national suicide prevention program.
Mr Woodward, who is also a board director at Suicide Prevention Australia, said the program consisted of three main elements – recognising mental health disorders in young people, promoting help seeking and encouraging community outreach.
But the news is not all good because…
- Australia’s youth suicide rate ranks us 20 out of 33 OECD countries.
- Suicide remains a leading cause of death for young Australians, second only to motor vehicle accidents.
- Men are over represented in youth suicide statistics. Up to four of five suicides are male.
- Young females are more likely to attempt suicide than young men.
Certain groups of young people are at much higher risk of suicide than others. ARACY reports the Indigenous youth suicide rate for 15-24 year olds is more than triple the national average.
Mr Woodward said it was “an alarming statistic”.
“Indigenous suicide has with it very key factors, not the least of which has been the cultural disengagement of Indigenous people from their historic culture, the huge issues around employment and economic opportunity and the continuation of discrimination and social exclusion many Indigenous people continue to experience.”
He believes the Government and Australian community need to give more resources, knowledge and assistance to Indigenous communities and leaders who are able to provide support.
Read Suicide Prevention Australia’s Youth Suicide Report in 2011.
The ARACY suicide data comes from both the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Those who work for suicide prevention organisations generally accept that suicide figures are under reported due to stigma, reporting variations and different coronial processes.
If you or someone you know need support call Lifeline on 13 11 44.
For information and assistance for young people, go to headspace.org.au
To learn more about depression and mental illness, visit beyondblue.org.au or contact your local GP or health professional.
To organise a free session with RMIT University counsellors, call 9925 4365
