Today, 10 October, marks World Mental Health Day, encompassed by Mental Health Month.

The recently released 2022 ABS Cause of Death makes this month even more significant, Lifeline Canberra believes. The data revealed 3,249 confirmed deaths by suicide in Australia: 83 more than in 2021. One Canberran dies by suicide each week.

“Behind each of these numbers is a person,” Carrie Leeson, Lifeline Canberra’s CEO, said. “Up to 135 lives are forever changed when someone loses their life to suicide. Family, friends, colleagues and first responders at the time of death.”

Lifeline Canberra urges Canberrans to be kind to each other while prioritising mental health this month.

Ms Leeson said call demand to Lifeline’s crisis support hotline in the ACT had increased by 10 per cent over the past 12 months. Every 30 seconds, someone reaches out to Lifeline for support – over 1 million people each year.

Lifeline Canberra is encouraging those looking to make a difference to ‘Save a Seat’.

“It takes $26 to fund a life-changing call,” Ms Leeson said. “We know intervention can save lives. Filling seats in our crisis support phone room ensures we are ready to take that call and can prevent a seat from becoming empty in our community.”

Donations made to Lifeline Canberra fund the recruitment, training, and ongoing support of volunteer telephone crisis supporters.

If you are in a position to change a life for the better, visit lifelinecanberra.org.au to donate and contribute to suicide prevention in Canberra and the surrounding regions.

If you or someone you know is struggling, Lifeline’s crisis support line is open 24/7, providing safe and judgment-free support. Call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14.

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