An Australian Bureau of Statistics report released earlier this month showed 2864 Australians died by suicide in 2014, an increase of 145 from the year before, and a 75 per cent jump since a decade ago. 

Road deaths have fallen in the same period, down by nearly one-third. In 2014, 1155 people were killed on the road, the lowest toll since 1945. 

Bendigo Community Health Services CEO Kim Sykes said the road toll reduction was the result of a concerted campaign to make roads safer, deter unsafe drivers and improve car safety, and she called for a similar approach to deal with suicide.  

“It’s clear a change in community attitude, on the back of society deciding enough was enough, produced a united effort against the road toll,” she said. 

“This has proven enormously successful and shows what can be achieved.

“What we need now is a similar approach to suicide – we can’t sit by and know that 2864 people took their own lives in one year and think we're doing enough. We have to act.” 

Ms Sykes said although many organisations were making advances in the battle against mental illness, a unified approach to suicide prevention needed to eradicate the stigma often attached to those who take their own lives, and those left behind. 

This would encourage an open, honest discussion, and contribute to change, she said.     

Ms Sykes also asked the community to consider how they can contribute to reducing the loss of life. 

“The ball now sits with the nation – what are we going to do about it?”

If you are having a difficult time, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.