By Julian Drape
Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon has urged Australians to open up to their loved ones, as she warned of increased risk of suicide facing families due to the global financial crisis.
Ms Roxon on Thursday launched a new suicide prevention website - RUOKday.com.au - to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.
While Australia enjoyed an image of itself as a robust and rugged nation, that attitude came with risks, she said.
"In our typical Aussie 'she'll be right' kind of way, even when we do ask (for help) we sometimes don't really feel that we can answer properly," she said.
"In the economic downturn they're are going to be financial pressures on families which will strain relationships.
"So we must remain particularly alert at this time."
There was nothing wrong with asking loved ones if they were okay - and admitting feeling down, Ms Roxon said.
Former corporate executive Graeme Cowan told the launch at Parliament House in Canberra people needed to ask if others were okay now more than ever.
Mr Cowan suffered severe depression from 2000 to 2005 and attempted to take his own life.
"I lost my marriage, my job, my self-respect and almost my life," the author of Back from the Brink said.
It was the care, love and support of his parents that kept him going.
Medicare rebates for psychological treatment had increased more than 50 per cent this year compared to the previous 12 months, Mr Cowan said.
Figures from a leading workplace counselling service suggested stress, depression and anxiety counselling increased by 62 per cent this year.
"We are facing a stress epidemic," Mr Cowan said, adding support was so important in these "very turbulent" times.
"We have to start reaching out and connecting with those around us.
The inaugural RUOK? Day will be held on November 29 this year.