WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY: LIFELINE URGES AUSTRALIANS TO CREATE A SAFETY PLAN
Lifeline Australia
Key Facts:• Over six months, 60,000 people used the free Beyond Now app, creating almost 20,000 safety plans.
• Evidence shows safety planning can help reduce the intensity of suicidal thoughts.
• Beyond Now is free on Apple's App Store or Google's Play Store, and can be accessed online
This World Suicide Prevention Day (Thursday 10 September), Lifeline Australia is urging Australians to help bring suicide Out of the Shadows by holding compassionate conversations about suicide and planning ways to keep safe during their toughest moments.
Lifeline Australia Chair Professor Steve Moylan said every Australian can help create communities where people feel safe to talk about suicide and ask for support.
“Every suicide is a tragedy, and behind every statistic is a person. Lifeline acknowledges those who have died by suicide, people with lived and living experience of suicidality, and the families, friends, carers and communities affected by suicide,” said Mr Moylan.
“Authentic, empathetic conversations can help people feel less alone and build communities that are better equipped to support someone experiencing thoughts of suicide.”
Lifeline Australia Head of Research Dr Anna Brooks said compassion, listening and encouragement to seek help are among the most important ways to support someone who may be struggling.
“It can be distressing when you think someone may be suicidal, and it is normal to feel unsure about what to say or do. Simply letting them know you care and that you are there for them can make a meaningful difference,” said Dr Brooks.
“Asking someone directly about suicide does not increase their risk. It can help them feel safe to talk about what they are experiencing and make it easier to connect them with support.”
“If they are not ready to open up, asking whether you can share practical resources can still be a simple and supportive step. If it feels right, you can offer to help them make a safety plan,” she added.
BEYOND NOW SAFETY PLANNING
Between January and June this year, around 60,000 people used Lifeline’s Beyond Now safety planning tool. Around 70 per cent accessed the tool through the app. Almost 20,000 safety plans were created, 41% of which were first-time plans.
Professor Moylan said increased use of the Beyond Now app suggests more Australians are taking practical steps to stay safer and prepare for times when they might feel low, overwhelmed or have thoughts of suicide.
“Thoughts of suicide can feel overwhelming, and it can be hard to know what to do next when emotional pain feels impossible to manage. A personalised safety plan can help someone identify their warning signs, personal strengths, trusted supports, safe places and helpful activities,” he said.
“This World Suicide Prevention Day, Lifeline is encouraging Australians to download the Beyond Now app or visit the Lifeline website to make a safety plan and share it with someone they trust.”
Dr Brooks said evidence shows safety planning can reduce the intensity of suicidal thoughts and give people a structured way to manage distress when they are at risk.
“A safety plan is best created when someone is calm and thinking clearly, rather than when they are overwhelmed. Because each plan is personal, it helps people identify the support and strategies that work best for them,” she said.
Each World Suicide Prevention Day, thousands of Australians take part in Out of the Shadows Walks across the nation to honour people who have died by suicide and show support for those experiencing emotional distress. The walks promote connection, encourage help-seeking and raise funds for Lifeline’s 24/7 crisis support services.
Beyond Now is free to download from Apple's App Store or Google's Play Store. You can also access Beyond Now online on your desktop, laptop or any handheld device.
GETTING HELP
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 can help you find the right support at the right time.
For Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander peoples
If you, or someone you know are feeling worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13 YARN [13 92 76] and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
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 1.5 million requests for support this year, creating an average of 120 safety plans a day to keep a person experiencing suicidal ideation safe. Visit lifeline.org.au/donate to support Lifeline.
Contact details:
COMMENTARY: [email protected] | 0408 407 376 (NO SMS)