Every day, an average of nine Australians die by suicide, around seven of them men, leaving a devastating ripple effect. Bereaved family, friends and close community report significant mental and physical health issues such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress in the wake of a loss to suicide. Alarmingly, 8% of these people will attempt suicide themselves.
Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, the Australian Psychological Society (APS) is urging the government to base policy strategy and decisions on evidence-based reforms to improve access to timely, person-centred mental health care and to address the critical shortage of psychologists.
“Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15–44, with marginalised communities impacted even more.” says APS President Dr Sara Quinn.
“This needs to change.
“Against a backdrop of rising cost-of-living pressures and broader social and economic uncertainty, too many people are suffering.
“We need strategic investment in mental health and wellbeing as a national priority to support both immediate and long-term wellbeing.
“This is a crisis that demands fresh and bold policy action and targeted intervention to save lives,” Dr Quinn added.
Dr Quinn said removing barriers to timely care was critical to addressing suicide.
“The government urgently needs to build a more coherent and sustainable mental health system, informed by lived experience and grounded in prevention, early intervention and equitable access to address the devastating suicide rates in Australia.
“This is about getting the right care to people, faster.
"As a priority, the government must introduce higher Medicare rebates for Better Access psychology services, as well as introduce a $0 youth mental health ‘safety net’ threshold to ensure young Australians aged 14 to 25 can access psychological care without cost being a barrier.
"All Australians need to be able to obtain the life-saving mental health care our psychology workforce can provide.
“We urge the government to fund initiatives to support effective mental health services and suicide prevention efforts across the country."
Dr Quinn said the APS will continue to support education initiatives and advocacy aimed at arresting the alarming statistics, however, a coordinated effort is needed to generate real change.
The APS responded to the Draft Advice on the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, and, earlier this year, the Final Review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement. Key APS recommendations include:
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For more information, or to arrange an interview call the APS Media team on 03 8662 3358 / 0435 896 444, or email.
The APS is the largest professional organisation for psychologists in Australia, representing more than 25,000 members. The APS is committed to advancing psychology as a discipline and profession. It spreads the message that psychologists make a difference to people’s lives, through improving psychological knowledge and community wellbeing.