Comparing the figures from 2016, a new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals that suicide rate increased rapidly and significantly, from 11.8 deaths per 100,000 to 12.7 deaths per 100,000 in over 12 months surpassing the World Health Organisation’s average rate of 10.5 deaths per 100,000. 

The said data reported that 3128 people died by suicide in 2017. 2348 of it are males while 780 are females. In a daily conversion, it’s 8.6 suicides a day which is 9.1% more compared to that of 2016. 

With all these tallied figures, it’s alarming that there has been a constant increase despite the effort of thousands of Australians in governments, in suicide prevention, in health centres, in work places, in the academe, and communities who work hand in hand in high hopes to stop these people attempting to take their own lives, or too see a decline in the rate, at least.

That is why it is important to emphasize to these people the importance of good social foundation. Suicide has become a taboo in conversations between family members. This is caused by the stigma that has surrounded this topic, which had led to people seeing it as something sensitive —- something to avoid discussing for various reasons, maybe from a religious or psychological standpoint or just that it’s an uncomfortable topic.

Parents should always spend time talking with their kids, ask them what’s going on, what’s good and what’s not in their lives at the moment, what they need, how they feel, and to always, always assure them that whatever it is that they are going through, that you are there to help, love and support them. They are never alone. In a time where the media have a very strong influence among our youth, parental guidance is very much needed. What they see on TV or other social media platforms might not always be beneficial for them. A lot of TV shows today that depict suicide have started discussions whether they have appropriately shown Depression as one of the major cause of leading people to commit suicide. However, most of the time, it is in the screens of their televisions that children see how the entertainment industry seem to “romanticise” or “miscommunicate” that suicide is a way to end one’s problems and misery.

The parent’s role is to oversee that their child is on the right track. They need to let their children know and understand that part of living is to experience ups and downs. There are times when we feel low because of circumstances, but they should know that it will not last forever. That at the end of the tunnel, there is light. Every problem has a silver lining. And as long as there’s life, there’s always hope. Parents nowadays should understand that their children are unique, and their feelings should always be valued and heard. Parenting is a two-way street where the parent and the children meet half way to understand both their wants and needs, and to make sure that everything is communicated properly. Also, the most important part as a concerned citizen is to make others aware of it. That if they need help, someone is always there and is willing to extend their helping hand without any judgements. As an individual who is willing to preserve the lives of others, it is a big step to start educating and teaching children this at a young age.

As parents it a conversion we don’t want to have but one we must have. Your child should know where help is available, who they can call if needed and to be aware of their friends and how they are feeling too. This may not necessarily relate to your own child but a relatives or friends, or someone you just know might need help. We only have one life to live, who else would help watch over and preserve the lives of one another but us, right?

There are a number of ways to get help and ask for assistance:

• To get help 24/7, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, phone 000 for emergency services.

• Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5-12 years. Call their phone counselling service at 1800 55 1800.

• Go to www.lifeinmindaustralia.com.au for help talking about suicide, and to read and sign the National Communications Charter.

Everyday is a new day and is a gift that should be cherished!