A study by Monash University in partnership with ambulance services investigated the scale and nature of ambulance call outs to men presenting with acute mental health issues, self-harm or suicidal behaviour.

The three-year research program found that every day, ambulances around the country made on average 82 attendances to men who had either tried to take their own lives or were having serious thoughts about doing so.

"This research tells us that suicide-related presentations to our health services by men triple when measured by ambulance data rather than hospital data alone, it tells us that what we know about male suicide is just the tip of the iceberg," Beyond Blue Chair Julia Gillard said.

CEO of Lifeline Mid North Coast Catherine Vaara described the results as "heartbreaking".

"We are losing our fathers, brothers, uncles and mates to suicide," Ms Vaara said.

She said there are many things that can be done to reduce deaths by suicide.

"One of the biggest things is to break down the stigma associated with suicide and to simply talk about suicide and suicide prevention.

"By giving someone a safe space to express their thoughts, we give them space to discover people around them care - that they are not being a burden, that those around them can understand and support them during times of need."

The study doesn't surprise 36-year-old Lifeline Mid North Coast Youth Ambassador Luke Anderson.

Mr Anderson lost his mother Julie to suicide when he was 19.

It was the first funeral he had ever been too.

"There were not any signs with mum," Mr Anderson said.

Her death changed the trajectory of his life.

He battled with depression himself.

A motorbike accident four years ago was the catalyst for him to seek help.

He believes men are more susceptible to suicide because they are less likely to discuss their problems.

"They kind of put the hard stuff in their backpack," he said.

Mr Anderson is encouraged by the new federal government's apparent commitment to tackling suicide.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has promised to "obsessively" seek to eliminate youth suicide.

But Mr Anderson said tangible action is needed.

"Start educational programs and get people like myself into schools to educate young adults and kids about camaraderie, unconditional positive regard and how to use active listening skills so they can identify early warning signs.

"I wish I had learnt about this kind of stuff as a kid, they're great life skills that everyone should know about."