TW: Suicide
Suicide is something that has a devastating impact on everyone; families, friends and whole communities. The following statistics may be confronting. Behind every number is a human life. It is important that the world continues to advocate, educate and work to keep people safe until a vision of Australia being free of suicide is achieved.
According to Lifeline, Australia’s largest suicide prevention service provider,
- Nine Australians die every day by suicide. That’s more than double the road toll.
- 75% of those who take their own life are male.
- Over 65,000 Australians make a suicide attempt each year.
- In 2019, 3,318 Australians took their own life.
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44.
- The suicide rate in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is twice that of their non-Indigenous counterparts.
- People in rural populations are 2 times more likely to die by suicide.
- LGBTI+ community members experience significantly higher rates of suicide than the rest of the population.
- For each life lost to suicide, the impacts are felt by up to 135 people, including family members, work colleagues, friends, first responders at the time of death.
- Males aged 85 and older experience the highest age-specific rate of suicide.
- Same-gender attracted Australians are estimated to experience up to 14 times higher rates of attempted suicide than their heterosexual peers.
- 1 in 4 Australians are lonely and have no-one to speak to.
Sports Community have today completed a live stream with Nathan Watford, to bring awareness and attention to mental health and the suicide rates, specifically among men. Nathan is taking part in an initiative with some mates, to break the world record for the longest indoor cricket match. The event will be completed to raise funds and bring awareness to men’s mental health.
This event will be taking place on 4th and 5th December, and everyone is invited to get involved. If you would like to support Nathan and his mates and help support the many people that are dealing with a mental health problem or illness, a Go Fund Me page with an overall donation target of $10k is currently live. Head to https://www.gofundme.com/f/world-record-for-mens-mental-health?member=15115637&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer to donate!
If you would like to watch our live stream with Nathan to learn more information about him, the event and his vision and message for the world, head to our Facebook page to view our awesome chat! It will also be posted to our LinkedIn over the course of the day, so keep an eye out for that!
Sports Community thanks Nathan for having a chat with us today about such an important topic in today’s society and we wish him and his mates the best of luck in smashing the world record for six and hopefully achieve their donation goal!
Remember, if you are dealing with a mental health problem do not be afraid to speak up. Help is always available.
Lifeline – 13 11 14
