Summit looks for suicide rise answers

A DECADE- high spike in the rate of suicides has triggered an emergency summit to be held in Canberra today.

The Federal Government has summoned mental health experts and advocates for crisis talks, following revelations that almost nine Australians a day are taking their own lives.

A 9 per cent jump on the previous year sparked calls for immediate intervention by governments, with the latest figures showing 3128 lives were lost to suicide last year.

Deaths from intentional self- harm occur among males at a rate more than three times greater than that for females.

Men aged 45- 49 years old remain at the highest risk, accounting for 75 per cent ( 2348) deaths last year.

Alcohol was in the bloodstream of almost 500 people who died by suicide. Around 60 experts and organisations from the suicide prevention sector will attend the summit including representatives from Lifeline, beyondblue, Everymind, Black Dog Institute and Orygen.

National Mental Health Commission chair Lucy Brogden said the best minds in mental health and suicide- prevention will talk about how the crisis can be tackled.

“Sadly, when we talk about suicide rates we’re talking about people – people with families, friends and communities around them who are also greatly impacted,” Ms Brogden said.

“What has been lacking is a broad consensus from the mental health and suicide prevention sector about where the Government should be focusing its efforts and investments.” Lifeline has argued that while doctors are prescribing more medication for mental illness than ever before – including a doubling in the rate of antidepressant use since 2000 – the Government is not doing enough to combat social factors that lead so many to choose death over living.

Health Minister Greg Hunt called the Parliament House summit following the release of the “deeply concerning” figures. In Townsville and North Queensland the number of suicides is higher than other places in Queensland.

The latest statistics revealed in the Chief Health Officer’s report show the average suicide rate is 25 per cent higher in Townsville than the Queensland average.

If you or someone you know is in need help, call Lifeline on 131 114, visit www. lifeline. org. au/ gethelp, or call beyondblue on 1300 224 636.