Suicide prevention and support

Over 3,000 people die by suicide in Australia every year.  Many others experience suicidal thinking or bereavement, making suicide a crucial and pressing public health issue.  In this unit, you will begin to understand the complexity of why suicide happens, including: suicide facts and trends, risk and protective factors, social factors, the impact of stigma, and the lived experience. You will critique theoretical approaches to the aetiology and prevention of suicide, and learn how to safely communicate about suicide in a diverse context.

Through exploring the evolving social and policy responses to suicide, you will consider a range of approaches to suicide prevention, particularly for communities and populations where people experience disproportionate suicide risk. You will also explore the importance of self-care, and develop skills in providing support to others, as well as recognising the importance of postvention and aftercare for hope and recovery. By the end of this unit you will have a comprehensive understanding of current thinking in why suicide happens and your potential to contribute to suicide prevention.