Australians stigmatise suicide: survey

One in three Australians sees suicide as 'cowardly' and 'stupid' despite decades of awareness raising, a survey released on World Suicide Prevention Day has found.

Lifeline's suicide stigma report card, conducted by research agency Colmar Brunton, found two-thirds of Australians have a good knowledge of the issue and education has reduced negative stigma.

But one third described suicide as 'irresponsible', 'cowardly' and 'stupid'.

The survey found stigma decreased as education on suicide increased.

Lifeline Australia's chairman John Brogden says the survey shows that while there is a growing understanding of suicide, the country has a long way to go.

"We need to redouble our efforts to make it OK for people to talk about their struggles and reach out for help," he said.

Most respondents attributed suicide to feelings of disconnection (68 per cent of respondents), lonely (70 per cent) or lost (76 per cent).

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.

Multicultural Mental Health Australia www.mmha.org.au.

Local Aboriginal Medical Service details available from www.bettertoknow.org.au/AMS