THE Australian Suicide Prevention Foundation has released the 'Prevent A Suicide: What to Say' app.
The app gives medically-approved messages which in effect give concerned individuals and the community a safety net to convey to anyone close to them who mentions suicide.
Founder Clinical Associate Professor David Horgan said, "the person's safety can become a shared effort involving both the community and health professionals".
Horgan said 40% of people will have contact at some time in life with a person who has attempted suicide.
Suicidal ideas are due to emotional pain and may be brief or go on for weeks or longer, with one in six Australians having had suicidal thoughts in their lives (ABS).
"Establishing a connection using our messages on the app with a family member, friend, or workmate to let them know you are there to help them can save their life," said Horgen.
The app needs no training or signups to ensure privacy.
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