Struggle to end suicide

A NATIONAL suicide and self-harm monitoring system could be established in the aftermath of an emergency mental health summit.

An alarming 9.1 per cent increase in Australians taking their own lives last year prompted federal Health Minister Greg Hunt to call the meeting held this week. Some 3128 people died in Australia in 2017, figures show. Developing a system to help respond to potential mental health issues was a key recommendation.

Lifeline 13 11 14, beyondblue 1300 224 636.