Australia tries to end male suicide...

At least the Australian government recognizes the problem....here in Canada upwards of 75% of suicides are male.

A NATIONAL suicide forum has ended in Sydney today with a bold plan to stamp out male suicide by 2030.

Research shows that every day five men take their life in Australia.

Of the more than 2000 suicides each year, 80 per cent were male.

The inaugural National Forum on Men and Suicide wrapped up with a commitment to tackle the tragedy of male suicide.

The Mental Health Council of Australia said that, with governments turning their attention to the mental health crisis, now was the time to address suicide prevention.

"The forum has laid the foundation for fundamental change in the way Australian society deals with men and suicide," said the council's chief executive, John Mendoza.

"The forum set out a clear long term-goal that by 2030 all Australians will know what actions to take individually and collectively to prevent suicide.

"The bold plan developed by the forum aims that, in one generation, suicide will no longer exist as a health risk for men."

Suicide prevention required an assertive, well-resourced, long-term campaign, Mr Mendoza said.

Professor Ian Webster from the National Advisory Council on Suicide Prevention said attention to men's mental health and emotional wellbeing was long overdue.

"Male suicide is one of the great tragedies of Australia today (and) that is completely unacceptable," Prof Webster said.