Spotlight on the research behind the #YouCanTalk campaign

As conversations about suicide continue following the launch of the #YouCanTalk campaign, Life in Mind would like to take a moment to shine the spotlight on the ground-breaking research which informed and empowered the initiative.

Commissioned by beyondblue, and completed by The University of Melbourne, the research investigated community attitudes and misconceptions about suicide.

Over 3,000 participants were involved in the research, which found that everyday Australians want to help family and friends at risk of suicide, but are unsure how to identify and respond to the warning signs.

• The research found that 50 percent of respondents believed that you need to be a skilled professional to assist someone at risk of suicide.
• 40 percent of participants indicated they felt suicide can occur without warning, with 30 percent thinking that most people at risk of suicide show no sign.
• While 30 percent of people also thought that discussing suicide could encourage a person to consider planning suicide.

The research provides vital new information about general public perceptions of suicide and their ability or willingness to respond to suicide risk.

This evidence will be used to inform future public communication and policy development across the sector to reduce suicide.

As part of a collaborative strategy to prompt behaviour change and encourage open, honest and safe conversations about suicide beyondblue, Black Dog Institute, Everymind, headspace, Lifeline, ReachOut and R U OK?, came together to launch the #YouCanTalk initiative last week.

Fuelled by the findings of this important research, the #YouCanTalk campaign has been designed so that everyone can support and get on board to share this important message.

By giving Australians the resources, training and support they need to help prevent suicide, #YouCanTalk will is aiming to reduce suicide rates.

For more information on the #YouCanTalk campaign, please visit: Life in Mind #YouCanTalk

To find out more about the research, please visit: beyondblue