Great Southern community urged to ‘Be the Light’ for their loved ones ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day

Albany Town Hall will glow purple and orange next week to honour the memory of those lost to suicide and urge people to “be the light” for someone struggling with their mental health. The historic landmark will light up every night from Monday until World Suicide Prevention Day on Saturday, September 10. The community is also encouraged to light a candle near a window at 8pm on September 10, to show support for suicide prevention, acknowledge grief caused by suicide and remember lost loved ones. The Great Southern Suicide Prevention Advisory Group said one way of supporting this year’s theme — “creating hope through action” — was to normalise conversations about suicide. GSSPAG chair and Palmerston suicide prevention co-ordinator Kaitlin Johnson said every life lost to suicide was “heartbreaking and often has cascading effects” on the community. “Research has shown that a single suicide could affect between 25-40 people, but in regional communities, the ripple effect of grief is known to be very far reaching and spread even wider,” she said. It is estimated that more than 10 million Australian adults know someone who has died by suicide, with 1 in 2 young people affected by suicide by the age of 25, according to Suicide Prevention Australia. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2020 shows, 1 in 6 Australians aged 16-85 had experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviours. It remains the leading cause of death for young people in Australia. Ms Johnson said it was a common misconception that talking about suicide led to an increase in suicide, and it was important to normalise the subject at home and in the community. “When talking about suicide, it is important to remind everyone that there is hope, there is help available and there is no harm done by asking someone directly about suicide,” she said. “Mental health issues can affect anyone at any time. It may be difficult at first but talking and listening can help. “As a community, we can work towards ending the stigma that comes with suicide and help people to talk more openly without a sense of shame.” Palmerston and the Local Drug Action Group Albany will also host an R U OK Day morning tea from 10am to 12 noon next Thursday at the Albany Town Square, where there will be refreshments, information and support available. For support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back line on 1300 659 467.