Australians grappling with suicidal thoughts are being urged to set up a suicide safety plan.

Research shows that safety planning can reduce the intensity of suicidal thoughts, however emerging trends suggest most who have recently contemplated taking their own life have not heard of suicide safety planning, according to Beyond Blue. 

The organisation is pushing Australians to take advantage of their Beyond Now app, which lets user personalise safety plans with reasons for living, and offers them ways to cope. 

People can upload photos and videos of the things that are important to them, like family or pets.

“When bushfire season hits, many people will have a bushfire plan prepared to keep them safe,” Beyond Blue chief executive Georgie Harman said on Saturday, World Suicide Prevention Day. 

“Workplaces practice evacuation drills so they know what to do in an emergency. Having a plan can make all the difference.

“However, few people know what a suicide safety plan is, and that needs to change.”

A safety plan helps people with suicidal thoughts recognise their warning signs, be reminded of their reasons to live, get distracted from their thoughts, and connect with people to talk to, including professionals.

Nine people take their own lives in Australia each day and data shows suicide rates have increased over the past decade, according to Beyond Blue. 

If this story has raised issues for you, you can call:

Lifeline 13 11 14

beyondblue 1300 22 4636

By Cassandra Morgan in Melbourne

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