- 275 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people died by suicide in 2023, an increase from 243 in 2022.
- The age-standardised suicide rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was more than double that of non-Indigenous Australians.
This World Suicide Prevention Day, 13YARN (13 92 76) is calling on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have open conversations about mental health and reach out if they are feeling worried or no good.
Aunty Marjorie Anderson, Lifeline Australia Head of Indigenous Affairs, said creating safe places where mob can yarn about needs, worries or concerns without judgement is critical to building resilient communities.
"It is devastating that the suicide rate for Aboriginal people is double that of non-Indigenous people - and the fifth leading cause of death compared to the 16th for the wider community," said Mrs Anderson.
"We need to make sure we look after each other. If you see someone that you think looks worried or no good, just asking 'you right or what?' can make a big difference. It might be the thing that nudges them into getting help."
"All calls to 13YARN are free, they're confidential – our Crisis Supporters don't need to know who you are. They can help with your immediate situation, and if necessary, refer you to culturally appropriate programs or services to make sure there is ongoing support."
"When you ring 13YARN, you don't have to teach anyone about family makeup, your responsibilities, your link to mob and land before you get the help you need – our Crisis Supporters understand where you're coming from."
"Too many of our people suffer in silence. For anyone doing no good, we want them to know our Crisis Supporters will take the time to listen. When you call 13YARN, there is no shame, no judgement. We want to empower you to take on your own journey to healing."
Launched in March 2022, 13YARN is Australia's first national crisis support line specifically designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping
Service demand increased by nearly 50% in the first two years of operation and is on course to hit 100,000 calls in the next few months.
If you, or someone you know are feeling worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13 YARN [13 92 76] and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
https://www.aihw.gov.au/suicide-self-harm-monitoring/population-groups/first-nations-people
About us:
ABOUT 13 YARN
13YARN [Thirteen YARN] is the first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. We offer a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who can provide crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 13YARN empowers our community with the opportunity to yarn without judgement and provide a culturally safe space to speak about their needs, worries or concerns.
