What Does a Teal & Purple Ribbon Mean?

Content below discusses sensitive topics which may be distressing for some readers.

Teal & Purple Ribbon Meaning

A teal and purple ribbon is mainly used to raise awareness for suicide prevention, domestic violence, and sexual assault.

It was reported that one in eight Australians (around three million Australians) consider suicide at some point in their lives and almost 10 million Australians know someone who has been impacted by suicide.

Risk Factors and Warning Signs

People may have suicidal thoughts due to different reasons and the warning signs are not always obvious. However, keeping an eye out for these risk factors and warning signs can save someone’s life.

People may be at risk of suicidal thoughts if they:

• Attempted suicide before
• Feel negative emotions such as hopelessness and worthlessness
• Socially isolate themselves
• Experienced a stressful life event
• Have alcohol or drug abuse problems
• Have an underlying mental disorder
• Have a family history of mental disorders
• Have a stressful, debilitating medical condition
• Are in an unsupportive environment

Some symptoms or warning signs may include:

• Talking about suicide
• Social isolation
• Mood swings
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Risk-taking or self-destructive behaviours

World Suicide Prevention Day

The World Suicide Prevention Day is held annually on September 10^th.  This day gives the opportunity to raise awareness for suicide and help prevent suicide by educating the public. The World Suicide Prevention Day aims to reduce stigma, change policies, encourage people to seek help and honour those who have lost their lives to suicide.

Suicide Awareness Ribbon

The suicide awareness ribbons are usually teal on one half and purple on the other half. The teal and purple ribbons can be worn on Suicide Prevention Day or daily to spark conversation with people around us. Wearing the Suicide Prevention Day ribbon as a brooch, bracelet or hairpin is a great way to stand in solidarity with those who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Where to Buy Suicide Awareness Ribbons?

Teal and purple awareness ribbon are available here.

Custom printed suicide awareness ribbons can be ordered via our custom ribbon page. You can customise the width and lengths of your ribbon to suit the campaign you are running.

Find out more about the colours and meanings of other awareness ribbons here.

Getting Help

In an emergency, call 000 now.

If you or someone else needs immediate support, please contact a suicide helpline such as:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
• Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team in your state/territory
• Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636.

If you are having suicidal thoughts but are not immediately thinking of hurting yourself, consider making an appointment with your doctor or reaching out to a loved one. Please do not hesitate to get help.