Suicide rates in Australia continue to fall, in direct relation to the uptake of anti-depressent drugs The Green Man assumes. Not that that is a bad thing of course, it is just that we don't want to assume that the underlying causes for the suicide have alleviated in fact they have probably got worse.

The number of suicides fell to 2213 last year, about 100 fewer than the 2320 in 2002 and down from an all time high of 2720 in 1997. 78% of all suicides were by men and men in the age group 30-34 were at the greatest risk. Tragically, we know that the vast majority of these men did not want to die it was just that they could see no other way out of their problems.

Here is the thing. Most people, at some time in their lives find that things are getting on top of them. Generally speaking women have better social networks to see them through these times than men do. Help is available to all but you have to ask for it. It does not diminish your manliness to seek help. You can find it at the Suicide Helpline Victoria on 1300 651 251, Lifeline on 131 114 (both 24-hour lines), SANE on 1800 688 382 or Kids Help Line on 1800 551 800