Lower Austria urges open talk to strengthen suicide prevention

Lower Austria is calling for more awareness of mental health and suicide prevention, with officials urging people to talk openly about psychological crises. ORF reported the appeal ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10.

In 2024, 1,219 people died by suicide in Austria, about three and a half times the number killed in road traffic. The Yellow September campaign began on September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, and this year focuses on loneliness under the motto “Together, we can do more”.

As part of the campaign, yellow lights will illuminate the Klangturm tower, three garage entrances on the Landhaus Boulevard and towers at the heliport of University Hospital Tulln. State councillor Martin Antauer said the displays were intended to make psychological crises more visible and remind people that help is available.

Officials said suicide prevention does not begin only in medical settings. A conversation or asking someone how they are really doing can also help, they said, adding that people do not need to be professionals to support someone in difficulty.

Psychological distress is rising particularly among young people. In 2025, psychotropic medication was prescribed to more than 36,000 children and teenagers under 18, an increase of almost two-thirds compared with 2019. State councillor Susanne Rosenkranz cited the use of artificial intelligence, mobile phones and social media among factors that can put pressure on young people. Daniel Klicpera, Lower Austria’s coordinator for psychiatry, said the increase in mental illness was greatest in this age group, with girls causing particular concern.

Lower Austria points to youth education centres and the Mood Up youth health conference initiative as efforts to address the trend. Telephone crisis services are also available around the clock for people experiencing mental illness or at risk of suicide.

At the end of April, the state established SUPRA Lower Austria, a suicide prevention network bringing together about 30 specialists to connect existing services, share knowledge and strengthen prevention. Officials said support from friends and family matters throughout the year, not just during Yellow September.