Last year, 3128 people died by suicide – the equivalent of 8.6 deaths every single day – data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Wednesday revealed.

The rate was a 10-year high, with 262 more deaths than the year before.

READ ALSO: Low-range drink drivers to lose licence for three months under tough new rules

Lifeline Central West chief executive officer Stephanie Robinson said that mental health should not be a taboo subject in today’s society.

“We can help people to recognise the invitations [signs] so they don’t miss, dismiss or avoid them,” she said.

“Instead of just dismissing when someone says ‘yeah, I’m alright’ start the conversation and we can change this.”

While there are a range of dedicated mental health services online and in person across the region, Ms Robinson regular people could also have a significant impact on outcomes of those at risk.

“We need to get more people, everyday people, who are out there because it’s not always the GP or medical people who do the interventions,” she said.

“I can tell you that overwhelmingly people are relieved that someone has asked and often they can then feel like they can talk.”

READ ALSO: Qantas makes decision on location of first regional pilot academy

Ms Robinson said it was incorrect to think that everyone who suicides had a mental illness.

“There’s a whole heap of people with mental health issues who will never suicide,” she said.

READ ALSO: Council urges residents to report illegal dumping

The ABS data showed that there were a range of factors and issues behind while people chose to take their life.

“Of the people who suicided 43 per cent (1345 people) had depression; 29.5 per cent (922 people) had alcohol and drug issues; 17.5 per cent (547 people) had anxiety; and 14.9 per cent (466 people) had alcohol in their bloodstream at the time,” Ms Robinson said.