#YouCanTalk
Led by some of Australia’s national mental health and suicide prevention organisations, the #YouCanTalk campaign is paving a new direction for suicide prevention in Australia.
The campaign is a collaborative effort by leading mental health and suicide prevention organisations which aims to empower and increase confidence when it comes to talking about suicide.
Whether it is for conversations with friends, family, colleagues or acquaintances, #YouCanTalk also highlights the resources available to support these conversations.
The main message is you don’t need to be a clinician, a GP, or a nurse to check-in with someone you are worried about.
Trust your instincts and access suicide prevention resources to assist you in having the discussion.
This includes recognising the signs that someone is thinking of suicide, how to talk about it openly and honestly and what to do if someone says they are not coping and needs help.
#YouCanTalk is about giving people the confidence to have the conversation by connecting them to the tools that can support them.
Life in Mind is a digital gateway providing organisations and communities with access to tools such as current information, programs, services, resources and research within suicide prevention in Australia.
Tips to consider if you are talking to someone you are worried about:
- It is better to reach out than avoid the person for fear of getting the conversation wrong. Experts generally agree that asking someone whether they are thinking about suicide is unlikely to make the situation worse or ‘put ideas in their head’.
- If you feel uncertain if your friend or loved one may be at risk, ask the question directly – “Are you having thoughts about suicide?” and be prepared for the answer to be yes.
- Make the person feel comfortable by listening without judgement or criticism and don’t try to ‘fix’ the problem or talk them out of suicide. Just listen.
- Ensure they are safe for now and talk to the person about who else to involve so they can be supported. You can assist by connecting them with other supports and services.
- Connect with resources and supports that are available to you to help you navigate the conversation.
Click on the heading links below if you are looking for tools, resources and/or training to support the #YouCanTalk campaign.
#YouCanTalk to those with lived experience
People with lived experience can provide valuable insights into suicide prevention initiatives and Ingrid Ozols from mentalhealth@work provides an important lived experience perspective around the #YouCanTalk campaign.
#YouCanTalk to members or groups in your community
Community members and groups play a huge role in understanding the behaviours of local people and how to enact support when it’s needed.
Life in Mind, through the #YouCanTalk campaign connects community members with the right resources and services to support people having difficult conversations, bereaved by suicide and providing crisis support services.
#YouCanTalk to communities affected by suicide
When a suicide occurs, the effects can be far-reaching. #YouCanTalk about a death however some consideration should be given to how it is talked about, with whom and in what setting.
#YouCanTalk to colleagues within your workplace or business
If you work in an organisation or business, it’s important you can recognise the warning signs of your colleagues. Knowing these signs, starting a safe conversation and directing to support services or resources empowers you to act as early as possible.
#YouCanTalk within the suicide prevention sector to peers and organisations
As a member of the sector, it’s ok to ask, share and talk about your experiences in suicide prevention.
Suicide prevention is part of everyday life and the more organisations involved and collaborating on crisis support services, stimulating programs and developing resources, the stronger the suicide prevention network becomes.
#YouCanTalk and get information at your own pace
Getting current information at your own pace is our aim. Life in Mind gives all members of the community access to suicide prevention resources, services, programs or data, giving you the freedom to choose when and where you read.
Everyone has the opportunity to save a life . . . people with lived experience of suicide tell us all the time that it is a relief when someone asks them with confidence if they are thinking about suicide. “It lets me know that’s its ok to talk to you. I just want you to listen, without judgement, sit with me in our pain, and walk beside me while we find what we need to be safe.” Everyone can do this. Bronwen Edwards, Founder and CEO, Roses in the Ocean
“Suicide is an issue that many find difficult to talk about, but it is an issue that is having major impacts on communities across Australia. #YouCanTalk is about giving people the confidence to have the conversation by connecting them to the tools that can support them.” Everymind Director, Jaelea Skehan
“Australia has world-leading suicide prevention services and we want to ensure people who need them access them. However, the reality is, not everyone will seek help themselves – they may firstly disclose their need to family and friends.” Lifeline CEO, Bob Gilkes
“The more #YouCanTalk about suicide with your friends and family in an open, honest and empathetic way, the more lives we can save.” ReachOut CEO, Jono Nicholas
“The evidence is in: it is not harmful to ask someone if they are thinking about taking their own life or find out if they have made a plan. In fact, it could help. It’s important that we all know the facts about suicide and our prevention efforts are informed by what the research tells us.” Black Dog Institute Director, Prof Helen Christensen
“Our message is this: #YouCanTalk about suicide. Half the population think that they can’t. We are on a mission to partner with the community to prevent suicide in this country.” beyondblue CEO, Georgie Harman
