The workshop is designed for people living and working in rural areas, to build a better community understanding, break down existing stigma, and to help people to identify the warning signs of mental distress or suicide in others.

Mr Smith said suicide is Australia's leading cause of death of Australians between 15 and 44-years-of-age, and untreated depression is the leading cause of suicide.

According to the statistics provided by the workshop, death by suicide is almost twice as common in Australia as death by road accidents.

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Rural Minds intends to increase general mental ill-health knowledge, understanding and confidence in having the 'sometimes difficult' conversations about mental health and suicide.

Mr Smith said the stigma attached to mental health remains a significant issue for people in rural communities, particularly for men.

"We've got to get people feeling confident talking about mental health and enquiring after the mental health of others in their community in the same way as we might ask about people's physical health," he said.

"People need to be able to recognise the warning signs and feel confident providing support to others experiencing mental health difficulties before they escalate - early intervention is critical".

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The workshop states stigma is often due to misunderstanding, as well as prejudice, and one in five people said if they had depression, they wouldn't tell anyone because of the potential for stigmatisation.

Mr Smith debunked suicide myths and evaluated the facts and statistics of suicide in Australia.

In 2015 3,027 people died from suicide, 2,292 men, and 735 women according to Rural Mind statistics.

Mr Smith said the reason men are more likely to suicide is that they are less likely to talk about, or seek treatment for their mental health problems.

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"Some of the ways you can help yourself include increasing your physical activity, eating better foods, making sure you get enough sleep, reducing alcohol intake, giving up or reducing your smoking habits and avoiding taking illicit drugs," he said.

Professional help includes talking therapy and medications. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or depressive symptoms can call Rural Minds on 1800 784 791.

Alternative contacts include: Respect: 1800 737 732. Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636. Black Dog Institute: www.blackdoginstitue.org.au. Lifeline: 13 11 14. Mensline: 1300 789 978.

Alternative contacts include: Respect: 1800 737 732. Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636. Black Dog Institute: www.blackdoginstitue.org.au. Lifeline: 13 11 14. Mensline: 1300 789 978.