Despite bushfires, a pandemic and widespread unemployment, the rate of suicide fell by five per cent in 2020.
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The figure, from the NSW government, represents the steepest decline in suicide rates in 10 years. There were 807 lives lost to suicide in the 12 months to November - 46 fewer than the previous year.
There was a corresponding rise in people turning to mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, with calls to Lifeline increasing by 20 per cent.
Murrumbidgee Men's Group's Rhys Cummins said the figures showed more people were proactively looking after their mental health in times of crisis.
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"I would say people are reaching out and the stigma is being removed quite a bit from mental illness," Mr Cummins said. "Having said that, the numbers are still too high and we need to do a lot more about it to look after ourselves and the people in our lives."
Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network chief executive Melissa Neal said the reduction in suicides was a promising sign, but more could always be done.
Ms Neal said the Murrumbidgee Local Response Group (LRG) was always encouraging people to access services in times of need.
"While these results indicate the most significant reduction in lives lost to suicide in 10 years, the LRG continues to encourage people to connect with one another and reach out for support - not only for yourself, but also someone you know who might be struggling," she said.
Lifeline chairman John Brogden said it had been a busy year for the support line, which saw a significant upswing in demand due to the bushfires and COVID.
"These are the most remarkable figures of the COVID- 19 pandemic. This is a moment to celebrate life," Mr Brogden said.
"I hope this is a turning point for mental health in Australia. People in need of help have been brave enough to get it during one of the most difficult times in memory."
If you need support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.