Suicide rates remain high

More Australians died from suicide in 2013 than road accidents.

That's the bleak picture painted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in its latest report on death and its causes.

Lifeline says despite the slight drop this year, the number of suicides remains stubbornly high.

The good news is that more people are reaching out to the support service seeking help.

KEY FACTS:

* Suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44

* About three-quarters of people who died from suicide were male, making it the 10th leading cause of death for men

* There were 2522 deaths from suicide in 2013, compared to 2574 in 2012

* More Australians died from suicide than through transport accidents (1428)

* Suicide is the 14th leading cause of all deaths

* Lifeline expects to take over 820,000 calls this year.

(Sources: ABS, Lifeline)

* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467