INTENTIONAL SELF-HARM DEATHS DATA HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR ACCESSIBLE CRISIS SUPPORT AND SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICES
Lifeline Australia
Key Facts:- In 2024, 3,307 deaths have been classified as being due to suicide.
- Suicide was the 16th leading cause of death.
- People who died by suicide had a median age of 46.0 years.
Available for interview: Dr Anna Brooks, Head of Lifeline Australia Research Office.
Lifeline Australia Chief Executive Officer, Graham Strong, said today’s release of the ABS’s latest cause of death data underscores the urgent need for services to respond to the complex factors that contribute to suicide, and to continue adapting evidence-based approaches that meet the needs of individuals and communities.
“Today will be a difficult day for many. Suicide does not discriminate. It impacts people from all backgrounds and circumstances. Each death has a deep, ongoing effect on loved ones, workplaces, and communities,” said Mr Strong.
“Behind every statistic there is a person, and we remember the people who died by suicide in 2024, those bereaved by suicide, those who attempted to take their own life and those who care for people living with suicidality,” he added.
Mr Strong said that the new data highlights the importance of a whole-of-community approach to crisis support and suicide prevention.
“Lifeline is grateful to all the people and organisations who work tirelessly every day and the significant funding that governments, partners and Australians continue to invest into our crisis support and suicide prevention services,” he said.
Dr Anna Brooks, Chief Research Officer of the Lifeline Research Office, reinforced the importance of life-saving interventions in supporting people in suicidal distress or at risk of it.
“We recognise the varied and profound ways suicide and crisis impact the lives of many Australians. Lifeline acknowledges the inherent value of lived experience of crisis and suicidality and is committed to ensuring that this experience meaningfully informs our work and services,” said Dr Brooks.
“Lifeline provides both prevention and support services to reduce suicide, ensuring every Australia has access to compassionate and empathetic services that are tailored to meet their individual needs,” she added.
In addition to phone and digital crisis support, Lifeline provides many other community programs and services, including for people experiencing suicidal thinking, as well as aftercare and bereavement supports.
Lifeline is committed to supporting any Australian through their toughest moments and providing them with the most appropriate care.
If you, or someone you know are feeling overwhelmed, we encourage you to connect with Lifeline in the way you feel most comfortable.
You can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114, or chat to Lifeline online (all services are available 24/7).
If you’re struggling to know where to turn, Lifeline’s Support Toolkit at lifeline.org.au/toolkit can help you find the right support at the right time.
For Indigenous or Torres Strait Islander peoples: If you, or someone you know, are feeling worried or no good, you can connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.
To donate to Lifeline, visit www.lifeline.org.au/donate.
About us:
For over 60 years, Lifeline has been connecting with Australians, offering free and confidential one-to-one crisis support for people who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. Trained crisis supporters listen without judgement 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As well as operating the 13 11 14 telephone line within 43 Centres around the nation, the organisation also delivers 24/7 crisis text, webchat and a Support Toolkit. Lifeline expects to respond to over 1.4 million requests for support this year, creating an average of 120 safety plans a day to keep a person experiencing suicidal ideation safe.
Contact details:
[email protected] / 0413 620 717