Outgoing byyondblue CEO, Kate Carnell AO has expressed her deepest concerns after new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that suicide is the leading cause of death in 2012 for Australian’s aged between 15 and 44.

The preliminary figures have revealed that 2, 535 deaths have been attributed to suicide. Because the data is preliminary and incomplete the final official figure is likely to be higher when it’s finalised in two years time.

Carnell described the figures as a national tragedy and called for all Australians to tackle the issue.

“Most people would be shocked to know that Australians aged between 15 and 44, whether male or female, are more likely to die by suicide than anything else,” she said. “If this many young and middle-aged people were dying in car accidents every day there would be a national uproar and major government inquiries and the problem would be addressed. But because it is suicide too often the problem is put in the too hard basket.”

Ms Carnell said research shows people with depression or anxiety are far more likely to attempt suicide than other people but stigma still prevents too many people from accessing support.

Readers requiring assistance are encouraged to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue.