Lifeline, one of Australia’s largest mental health organisations, have urged social media users to take greater responsibility for their actions as suicide rates in Australia rise to a 10-year high. Lifeline’s national manager John Mendel said the memory of Charlotte Dawson, the New Zealand-Australian television personality, was still “fresh”. Mr Mendel added Ms Dawson “frequently...

For many years Sergeant Kevin Briggs had a dark, unusual, at times strangely rewarding job: He patrolled the southern end of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, a popular site for suicide attempts. In a sobering, deeply personal talk Briggs shares stories from those he’s spoken — and listened — to standing on the edge of...

Canadian actress Ellen Page, who starred in the hit movie Juno in 2007, announced that she was gay at the Human Rights THRIVE conference in Las Vegas, an event that supports LBGTQ youths. “I’m here today because I am gay,” she said. “…And because I can make a difference. “Regardless, for me, I feel a...

Among 700 other accomplished achievers on Australia Day 2014, former NSW politician John Brogden was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his commitment to mental health issues. Brogden’s career was launched in 2002 when he became the youngest person to lead an Australian opposition party at age 33. But in 2005...

According to PerthNow, suicide is now the leading cause of teenage deaths in Western Australia, surpassing automotive-related fatalities and medical conditions at 29% and 14% respectively. Child death data shows that between 2009 and 2013, suicide accounted for almost 40% of unexpected deaths in teenagers aged between 13 and 17 years old. Of the 123...

Last Thursday whilst returning to their hotel from a charity event, English cricketers Stuart Broad and Matt Prior helped to save a young man from a suicide attempt on Pyrmont Bridge in Sydney’s Darling Harbour. Together with their security officer Terry Minish, the pair helped to pull the distressed man from the railing of the...

Chris, 50 years old, is a frequent flyer and on her many trips interstate and abroad comes across various people from every corner of the globe, all with their own unique backgrounds, experiences and stories. This is one encounter with a dear old fellow Chris met at the airport: On an interstate trip and with...