World Suicide Prevention Day will be marked on 10 September with the global theme Changing the Narrative on Suicide, established by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organisation. The theme calls for a shift from silence and stigma to openness, empathy, and action.
“It’s a call to shift from silence and stigma to openness, empathy and action, to ensure those who are struggling feel heard, supported, and connected,” said Suicide Prevention Australia. “Together, we can help create a future where more lives are saved, and more stories are shared.”
In Australia, suicide remains the leading cause of death among people under 65. More than 3,000 Australians die by suicide every year, with men accounting for 75% of those deaths. On average, suicide claims the lives of seven men every day.
The Australian Men’s Health Forum continues to push for stronger government action, calling on Australians to sign a petition urging Federal, State, and Territory Governments to implement a national plan to prevent male suicide.
Back in 2020, the Prime Minister’s National Suicide Advisor warned:
“The disproportionate impact of suicide on males must be called out as a priority for whole-of-government attention.”
The advice was clear: all jurisdictions should commit to priority actions for male suicide prevention within the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. Yet, when the new strategy was released in 2025, just 3 of its 117 actions specifically mentioned men or men’s services.
Community Campaigns in September
Several high-profile initiatives are running this month to highlight the need for greater awareness and action:
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Out of the Shadows – Supported by Lifeline, this campaign calls on people to walk 9km anywhere in memory of the 9 Australians lost to suicide every day. Funds raised help Lifeline services, which receive a call for help every 24 seconds. A $39 donation funds one life-saving connection.
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R U OK? Day – Held on the second Thursday of September, this national awareness day encourages Australians to check in with those around them. In the lead-up to 11 September 2025, R U OK? is collecting stories from people whose lives have been impacted by a meaningful conversation – and how they responded when someone said, “No, I’m not okay.” Share your story.
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Know Your Man Facts – An ongoing AMHF campaign providing practical tools to support men’s mental health. This includes the Guide to Helping a Mate Doing it Tough, developed in consultation with suicide prevention experts and men with lived experience.
Taking Action
From signing petitions to walking in solidarity, or simply having a conversation with someone who may be struggling, September is a reminder that every Australian has a role to play in suicide prevention.
