Article published in The Australia 10 April 2015
About 40 people take their own lives each year in the Northern Territory, with deaths on the increase among young and indigenous people.
Although overall suicides have decreased over the past eight years, the territory still has Australia's highest suicide rates among indigenous people and the young.
The territory government is spending an extra $3 million a year to improve mental health services and build resilience in communities.
"These factors tend to lower an individuals' ability to build resilience and create positive coping mechanisms," the government plan says.
People are especially at risk in remote communities, where suicide is seen as an option for dealing with personal crises.
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The Plan details six key areas of action:
Deliver targeted suicide prevention activities
Build strength and resilience in individuals and families
Improve wellbeing and resilience of communities
Coordinate approaches to suicide prevention
Improve the evidence base and dissemination of information
Implement high standards and quality in suicide prevention
