The rate of suicide in Australia is at an all-time high and is one of the leading causes of death for people aged 15-44.
Also of concern is that for every person who died by suicide, it is estimated that as many as 30 others attempt to take their own lives.
To help deal with the problem, the State Government has set up One Life, an initiative which aims to strengthen families, communities and workplaces and build resilience.
One Life Ambassadors, Dockers forward Michael Walters and West Coast Fever netballer Courtney Bruce have joined the campaign to help reduce suicide.
Walters said he felt strongly about lending his support to help educate people about how to support friends or family who might be at risk of suicide. He said suicide was a big problem for the indigenous community and he hoped he could make a difference by reminding people that there was absolutely no shame in reaching out for help during difficult times.
 Everyone goes through hard times at some stage or another,  he said.  But the important thing is to speak to someone and get things off your chest.
 Don t be afraid to ask your friends and family if you think there is something wrong. It could make a big difference, you never can tell. 
Bruce said sport was a fantastic forum to reduce the stigma around mental illness and suicide because it required people to participate, which increased feelings of belonging.
 The more people who are made aware of the warning signs of suicide and depression, the more we can start to refer people to services that can help,  she said.
She said if someone suspected a friend or loved one was feeling depressed or contemplating suicide, it was important to urge them to contact the 24-hour helpline Lifeline.
 Offer to go to the doctor or to a mental health professional with them; offer to make an appointment or to look up services. Sometimes depressed people have trouble making decisions or find it hard to find the motivation to access help. 
If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 
Also be on the look out for 
 Unexplained crying. 
 Emotional outbursts. 
 Alcohol or drug misuse. 
 Uncharacteristic risk-taking or recklessness (for example, driving recklessly).
 Fighting andor breaking the law. 
 Withdrawal from family and friends.
 Quitting activities that were previously important. 
 Prior suicidal behaviour. 
 Self-harming. 
 Putting affairs in order eg: giving away possessions, especially those that have special significance for the person. 
 Writing a suicide note or goodbye letters to people.
How to respond to suicide warning signs  
Speak up if you are worried.
Talking to a friend or family member about their suicidal thoughts and feelings can be extremely difficult. 
But if you're unsure whether someone is depressed and contemplating suicide, the best way to find out is to ask.
Sometimes people are worried that they might  put the idea of suicide into the person s head  if they ask about suicide. You can t make a person suicidal by showing that you care. 
In fact, giving a suicidal person the opportunity to express his or her feelings can provide relief from loneliness and pent-up negative feelings, and may prevent a suicide attempt. 
Ways to start a conversation about suicide 
I have been concerned about you lately. 
I wanted to check in with you because you haven t seemed yourself lately. 
Questions you can ask the person 
How can I best support you right now? 
How long have you been feeling this way?
What you can say that helps  
You are not alone in this. I m here for you. 
I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel but I care about you and want to help.
Warning signs that someone may be suicidal  
 Loss of physical energy.  
 Loss of interest in personal hygiene or appearance.  
 Major changes to sleeping patterns, too much or too little. 
 Loss of interest in sex.  
 Sudden and extreme changes in eating habits, either loss of appetite or increase in appetite.  
 Weight gain or loss. 
 Increase in minor illnesses.