What do you do when you see someone going through a hard time?

Many of us find talking about mental health deeply uncomfortable. But we need to get over our discomfort and start having honest conversations about life's challenges if we want to reduce Australia's suicide rates.

In 2014 Australia lost 2864 lives.

These were daughters, sons, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and friends. The loss of these irreplaceable lives produces devastating impacts for families, friends, communities and our nation.

These latest ABS statistics show a staggering rise in death by suicide, with a loss on average of one person every three hours.

While we urgently need government action to stem the tide, this is not just a government responsibility.

The rising rate of suicide in this country is everyone's responsibility and we can all do something positive to help.

Humans are social animals. One of the most powerful and life-affirming things we can do as human beings is connect with other people.

When we feel connected, validated, supported, we are more able to face the challenges of life. When we feel isolated, rejected or misunderstood, we are more likely to struggle.

The burdens of life weigh heavily on all of us, but much more so when we carry them alone.

As a society, we are largely maintaining a nonsensical taboo that actively impedes the wellbeing of individuals and communities.

By simply talking about our mental health we lessen the burdens of life and yet mental health is still often not discussed particularly in rural, regional and remote communities where the "she'll be right" ethos of soldiering on can create a barrier to acknowledging we are feeling overwhelmed.

Men, rural communities most at risk

In rural and remote districts death by suicide has even higher prevalence, particularly among men.

Men are significantly less likely to access professional help for health issues, which is compounded by discriminatory attitudes regarding mental health.

Due to the tyranny of distance and lack of specialist providers, men and women in rural and regional areas have less access to mental health services.

For all these reasons, and more, it is vitally important for people to have strong social networks that provide support.

Talking does not change the harsh realities of life, particularly in rural and remote areas where livelihoods are often determined by changes in the weather and whole communities can collapse with the closure of a mine, but it does lighten the load and it does make a positive difference.

When we start talking about our challenges, we begin sharing our triumphs. Others can learn from us, gain hope and practical solutions.

When talk openly about our challenges our children learn that mental health difficulties are a natural part of life and can be overcome.

Whether in regional, rural, remote or metropolitan settings, it is not just people who are facing significant challenges who need to start talking — we all do.

When one person shares their experience of struggle, it creates space for others to speak.

Having the courage to admit you don't always cope could empower someone else to open up and ultimately save a precious life.

If you or someone you know needs help, call:

Lifeline on 13 11 14

Lifeline on 13 11 14 Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800

Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978

MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

Dr Louise Byrne is a lived experience mental health academic working at the CQ University in Rockhampton.