Changing the Narrative on Suicide

World Suicide Prevention Day 2025:

Changing the Narrative on Suicide 

 

Why World Suicide Prevention Day Matters 


Each year, an estimated 720,000 people die by suicide worldwide. The impact is devastating — rippling through families, friendships, workplaces, and entire communities. Behind every statistic is a story, a life, and loved ones left behind. This reality reminds us why World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) matters. 


On 10 September 2025, people and organisations across the globe will come together to mark WSPD under the theme: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” This year, the campaign is placing particular emphasis on accessibility, with resources translated into more languages so the message of hope can reach more people, in more places. As Professor Jo Robinson, President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), shares: “Suicide prevention is a shared commitment that unites us across borders, cultures, and communities. As we continue our journey to change the narrative on suicide, let us ensure our message of hope and understanding reaches everyone — in every corner of the world.” 


What Does “Changing the Narrative” Mean? 


For too long, conversations about suicide have been surrounded by silence, stigma, and misunderstanding. Changing the narrative means shifting towards openness, empathy, and support. It’s about making suicide prevention everybody’s business — not just the responsibility of mental health professionals. 


The movement calls us to action in several key ways: 


  • Raising awareness and understanding through open, compassionate conversations. 
  • Advocating for the decriminalisation of suicide and the development of national suicide prevention strategies. 
  • Taking action by checking in with loved ones, sharing stories, and participating in training. 
  • Ensuring that people in crisis areas have access to mental health care and protective support. 


Ways You Can Get Involved in

World Suicide Prevention Day 


1. Start a Conversation and Raise Awareness Online 


A simple post using #WSPD can help challenge stigma and spread hope. Free resources, posters, and videos are available through organisations such as Suicide Prevention Australia, Lifeline, and the International Association for Suicide Prevention. 


2. Raise Awareness at Work 


Workplaces play a powerful role in shaping culture and supporting staff. Host an event, share resources with your team, or consider creating a wellbeing initiative that prioritises mental health in your workplace. 


3. Reach Out to Someone 


If you notice a friend, colleague, or family member struggling, reaching out can make all the difference. Asking “How are you really going?” might be exactly what they need to hear. 


4. Listen Well 


When someone shares their worries, listen without judgment. Don’t minimise their feelings or rush to provide answers. Sometimes, being heard is the most powerful form of support. 


5. Rethink Attitudes Toward Mental Health 


Reject harmful ideas like “just get over it” or “toughen up.” Encouraging openness shows people it’s safe to talk about their struggles and seek help when they need it. 


6. Encourage People to Seek Support 


Whether it’s through a GP, a counsellor, or a helpline, professional help can make a huge difference. Remind those around you that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. 



Why This Day Is So Important 


Since its establishment in 2003 by IASP and the World Health Organization (WHO), World Suicide Prevention Day has been a moment each year to remember those lost to suicide, support those struggling or bereaved, advocate for systemic change, and inspire hope. While prevention work continues every day, WSPD gives us a chance to amplify our voices and unite in action. 


 Final Thought 


On 10 September 2025, let’s come together — as families, communities, workplaces, and nations — to talk openly, listen compassionately, and challenge stigma. By changing the narrative on suicide, we can replace silence with understanding, despair with hope, and isolation with connection. Because prevention is possible, support is available, and every single life truly matters. 

The Youth Is Needed

August 6, 2025
International Youth Day – Celebrating the Future of Healthcare Each year on International Youth Day, we honour the creativity, resilience, and potential of young people around the globe. At Health Staff Australia, we believe it’s also a powerful opportunity to highlight how youth play an essential role in shaping the future of healthcare in our country — from aged care to frontline nursing and allied health services. Young healthcare professionals are not just the future — they’re already making a difference today. Whether it’s through their work as Registered Nurses (RNs), Assistant in Nursing (AINs), Support Workers, Doctors, Occupational Therapists (OTs), or in countless other roles, young people are stepping up with compassion, innovation, and a drive to care. Youth in Aged Care and Nursing: The Impact is Real Australia’s healthcare landscape is changing rapidly, particularly as our population ages. This makes sectors like aged care and disability support more vital than ever. Youth who choose careers in these fields bring fresh energy, empathy, and a willingness to learn — helping to enhance the quality of care for some of our most vulnerable citizens. The nursing profession is the largest single health profession in Australia, and as the Australian Parliament notes, “workforce planning is critical to ensure alignment of nursing supply with demand required by the health system, to create a sustainable nursing workforce for Australia” ( source ). That means we need more young people to consider healthcare as a career path — and not just any role, but those in high-demand sectors like residential aged care, community health, mental health support, and disability services. 

Signs You’re Meant to Be a Support Worker

July 2, 2025
You Were Made for This: The Qualities That Make a Great Support Worker – and How to Grow Them Support work is not just a job. It’s a quiet kind of strength, a steady hand, and a heart that chooses care—again and again. At Health Staff Australia, we’ve seen firsthand the impact a truly compassionate support worker can make. But what is it that makes someone right for this role? And how can you grow into the kind of carer you aspire to be? Whether you’re new to the field or have been walking alongside others for years, this is for you.

Celebrating World Blood Donor Day in Australia

June 3, 2025
Why Not You? Why Not Now? If you had the chance to save up to three lives in under an hour—no cape, no superpowers needed —would you do it? On June 14, we celebrate World Blood Donor Day, and here in Australia, it’s also National Blood Donor Week—a time to pause and thank everyday legends who give a little to make a massive difference. But let’s be real: this isn’t just a celebration. It’s a call to action. Because while 1 in 3 Aussies will need blood or blood products in their lifetime, only 1 in 30 actually donates. That’s a whole lot of Aussies counting on a very small, very generous group of people to keep the rest of us alive. The Real-Life Impact of One Small Act It might feel like a small thing—lying back for 10 minutes, squeezing a stress ball, and enjoying a free juice—but blood donation keeps Australia’s health system moving. Every single donation goes further than you might think. It could be used in a life-saving surgery, during a cancer patient’s treatment, or to help someone recover from a major car accident. Then there’s plasma—the golden liquid used in over 18 different medical treatments. Plasma is used to help patients with cancer, burns, immune deficiencies, haemophilia, kidney conditions, and more. And the need for plasma is growing fast. In fact, plasma donations are now the most in-demand donation type in Australia. Think your one donation won’t make a difference? Let’s talk about James Harrison, the Aussie known as the “Man with the Golden Arm.” After life-saving surgery in his teens, James pledged to give back—and he did, 1,173 times over more than six decades. His rare blood was used to help make an injection that saved 2.4 million Australian babies from a deadly condition called Rh disease. James passed away peacefully earlier this year at age 88, and his legacy reminds us what one person—just one—can do. Why People Don't Donate (And Why Those Reasons Might Not Hold Up) We get it. Life’s busy. Needles aren’t exactly a crowd favourite. You’ve got work deadlines, travel plans, or maybe a low-iron warning from that one blood test in 2012 still rings in your ears. But let’s be honest: a lot of us are counting ourselves out without really checking if we’re in. Some of the most common reasons people don’t donate? “I’ve got tattoos or piercings.” Totally fine—usually you only need to wait four months after getting them. “I’ve travelled recently.” Travel exclusions aren’t what they used to be. Check the latest guidelines—you might already be cleared. “I’m on medication.” Lots of medications are donation-safe. When in doubt, just ask. “It takes too long.” Most donations take less than an hour—faster than your average dentist appointment and infinitely more fun (plus better snacks). “I thought I couldn’t.” That’s the big one. A lot of people think they’re ineligible when they’re not. In fact, more than 13 million Australians may be eligible but aren’t donating. So if it’s been a while—or if you’ve never donated—now’s the time to check. Because every four minutes, Australia needs a new donor to meet demand. That’s not a once-in-a-while thing. It’s a constant , and right now, the need is the greatest it’s been in nearly a decade. Thinking About Donating for the First Time? We know the first step can feel like the biggest one. But honestly? It’s not scary. It’s actually kind of… great. Lifeblood donation centres are friendly, chill, and welcoming. You’ll be greeted with smiles, helped every step of the way, and get to relax afterwards with a snack! Here are some quick tips to make your first donation feel easy (and rewarding). And here’s a little bonus: studies have shown that people who give blood regularly often report feeling healthier, happier, and more connected to their community. So yes, it actually feels good to help others .