A new report says that conversation can save lives.

The World Health Organisation says suicide can be prevented, and it only requires some care and attention.

It is Australian Mental Health Week next week, Mental Health Month in NSW this month and World Mental Health this Friday - the time for people to put aside their awkwardness and fear of embarrassment to talk more openly about the issues that affect them or they think may be affecting others. 

The report ‘Preventing suicide: A global imperative’, released this week aims to “increase awareness of the public health significance of suicide and suicide attempts, to make suicide prevention a higher priority on the global public health agenda, and to encourage and support countries to develop or strengthen comprehensive suicide prevention strategies in a multisectoral public health approach.”

WHO data shows over 800,000 people die each year due to suicide, and it is the second leading cause of death for people aged 15-29.

“Suicides are preventable. For national responses to be effective, a comprehensive multisectoral suicide prevention strategy is needed,” WHO says in its key message.

“Restricting access to the means for suicide works. An effective strategy for preventing suicide and suicide attempts is to restrict access to the most common means, including pesticides, firearms and certain medications.”

“Health-care services need to incorporate suicide prevention as a core component. Mental disorders and harmful use of alcohol contribute to many suicides around the world. Early identification and effective management are key to ensuring that people receive the care they need.

“Communities play a critical role in suicide prevention. They can provide social support to vulnerable individuals and engage in follow-up care, fight stigma and support those bereaved by suicide.”

Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) says suicide is in fact the leading cause of death in males aged 25-44 years and females aged 25-35 years, with suicide and suicidal behaviour is estimated to cost the Australian economy $17.5 billion every year as well as untold emotional suffering.

“The World Health Organisation suggests workers suicide is a result of a complex interaction between individual vulnerabilities and work-related environmental factors that trigger stress reactions and contribute to poor mental wellbeing,” SPA says.

“Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) sees the workplace as playing a vital role in the creation of a suicide safe community.

“Employers have a legal responsibility to provide a safe and healthy workplace, including managing psychosocial stressors.”

SPA says a gap exists in the general understanding of the relationship between suicide and work life.

“We believe urgent action is required to address a range of systemic issues including managing unemployment, workers compensation and coronial processes.”

Anyone who has been suffering periods of extended anxiety, sadness or disturbance can find help by talking to Lifeline, the Black Dog Institute, beyondblue, a family member or friend.