The number of lives lost to suicide in Victoria this year is consistent with the same period in 2019, a report released by the Coroners Court of Victoria reveals.
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The report shows there have been 466 suicides in 2020, compared to 468 suicides this time last year.
Lifeline Central Victoria and Mallee chief executive Rebecca Cornish said it is gratifying to know that suicide rates have not risen during this challenging time.
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"We know people are doing it tough and our team are working tirelessly to be there for those in need and will continue to do so," Ms Cornish said.
Underlying trends across the report's data, which includes monthly data from 2016, shows that males are three times more likely to die by suicide than females, with males aged 25-55 years at highest risk.
This year, 350 men and 116 women have lost their lives to suicide.
Lifeline Australia chairman John Brogden said the report shows that while enduring the effects of bushfires and COVID-19, Australians are taking steps to ensure their mental wellbeing.
"The work being done by the suicide prevention sector is above and beyond anything we've seen in Australia's history," Mr Brogden.
"While the data is encouraging news for those who have been working round-the-clock to ensure no Australian has to face their darkest moments alone, I acknowledge these results offer cold comfort for those whose loved ones are represented by the numbers."
The need for connection and support is greater than ever before, Ms Cornish said.
"Lifeline Central Victoria and Mallee work in partnership across our local region to promote suicide prevention," she said.
"A significant part of our work is delivering mental health and suicide prevention training.
"We believe education builds resilient communities and have developed an experienced training unit and are about to deliver even more training across our region to increase suicide awareness and safety."
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In Victoria, all suspected suicides are required to be reported to the Coroners Court for investigation.
State Coroner Judge John Cain said there is clearly a growing awareness and community concern regarding suicide.
"While it is encouraging to see there has not been an increase in suicides to date, our focus is to see figures go down," Judge Cain said.
The report can be found here.
You can access Lifeline's services by calling 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days) or chat to a crisis supporter via text on 0477 13 11 14 (6pm-midnight).
