ReachOut Australia CEO Jono Nicholas says stark new statistics on youth suicide released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) this week emphasise the need to deliver more help to more people.
The ABS Causes of Death report shows that in 2014, 362 young Australians aged 15–24 died by suicide. The rate of suicide has remained persistently high over the last decade, and in 2014 accounted for one-third of all deaths in this age group – more than any other cause.
‘This is heartbreaking news. 362 young lives lost through suicide is far too many, and the latest ABS report points to the need for more mental health support for young people,’ ReachOut CEO Jono Nicholas said.
Of particular concern is the rate of suicide for young men, especially in the 20–24 age group, which stands at 20.6 deaths by suicide per 100,000, up from 18.1 per 100,000 in 2013. The rate of suicide among young females aged 20–24 also continues to increase, at 7.2 per 100,000.
‘At ReachOut, we are focused on creating scalable digital interventions that can help greater numbers of young people take control of their mental health and wellbeing.
‘Over the past 18 years, ReachOut has connected countless numbers of young Australians with help and support during tough times. Today, more than 70,000 young people visit ReachOut every month. Based on a recent study of ReachOut users where 89 per cent were found to have symptoms of depression, anxiety and/or stress, we estimate that the vast majority of users may be experiencing the same.
‘Online services like ReachOut can be accessed by young people in every corner of the country at any time of day. This is especially important for young people who live in regional and remote areas, and for the many young people who’d prefer to first seek help anonymously.’
‘If Australia is to make further inroads into reducing youth suicide, our mental health system must remain focused on finding new ways to help to more people. We look forward to continuing to work closely with government and other service providers to reduce the suicide rate and to ensuring young Australians can access the right support at the right time.’
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National 24/7 crisis phone support for young people is available from Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), Suicide Callback Service (1300 659 467), and Lifeline (13 11 14).
Young people can turn to ReachOut.com from anywhere and at any time for free self-help tools, information, and a peer support forum.
For further information and requests to interview ReachOut CEO Jono Nicholas contact:
Doug Millen, ReachOut Australia
02 8029 7725 | 0425 865 851 | doug@reachout.com
ReachOut Australia Cohort Study 2016 (unpublished).
The ABS Causes of Death report shows that in 2014, 362 young Australians aged 15–24 died by suicide. The rate of suicide has remained persistently high over the last decade, and in 2014 accounted for one-third of all deaths in this age group – more than any other cause.
‘This is heartbreaking news. 362 young lives lost through suicide is far too many, and the latest ABS report points to the need for more mental health support for young people,’ ReachOut CEO Jono Nicholas said.
Of particular concern is the rate of suicide for young men, especially in the 20–24 age group, which stands at 20.6 deaths by suicide per 100,000, up from 18.1 per 100,000 in 2013. The rate of suicide among young females aged 20–24 also continues to increase, at 7.2 per 100,000.
‘At ReachOut, we are focused on creating scalable digital interventions that can help greater numbers of young people take control of their mental health and wellbeing.
‘Over the past 18 years, ReachOut has connected countless numbers of young Australians with help and support during tough times. Today, more than 70,000 young people visit ReachOut every month. Based on a recent study of ReachOut users where 89 per cent were found to have symptoms of depression, anxiety and/or stress, we estimate that the vast majority of users may be experiencing the same.
‘Online services like ReachOut can be accessed by young people in every corner of the country at any time of day. This is especially important for young people who live in regional and remote areas, and for the many young people who’d prefer to first seek help anonymously.’
‘If Australia is to make further inroads into reducing youth suicide, our mental health system must remain focused on finding new ways to help to more people. We look forward to continuing to work closely with government and other service providers to reduce the suicide rate and to ensuring young Australians can access the right support at the right time.’
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Need to talk to someone right now?
National 24/7 crisis phone support for young people is available from Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), Suicide Callback Service (1300 659 467), and Lifeline (13 11 14).
Young people can turn to ReachOut.com from anywhere and at any time for free self-help tools, information, and a peer support forum.
Media enquiries
For further information and requests to interview ReachOut CEO Jono Nicholas contact:
Doug Millen, ReachOut Australia
02 8029 7725 | 0425 865 851 | doug@reachout.com
Reference
ReachOut Australia Cohort Study 2016 (unpublished).
