THE Wimmera recorded 528 deaths last year, compared with 511 in 2014.

New Australian Bureau of Statistics data released on Wednesday shows Hindmarsh Shire had the highest death rate in Victoria in relation to population.

In Horsham 168 people died last year and Northern Grampians had 125.

While the statistics do not list the cause of deaths in the Wimmera, the data shows that throughout Australia, suicide was the leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 44, with more than 3000 suicide deaths recorded for the first time.

An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report also shows western Victoria has the second lowest rate of mental health related hospitalisations in Australia. 

Western Victoria Primary Health Network deputy chief executive Kate Barlow said she could only speculate as to reasons for the low rates. 

She said reasons could include people not seeking services or there could be a lack of services available.

“People in western Victoria could have access to primary mental health services or social support in other areas of the country,” she said.

Stawell resident Amy Rhodes said there was a greater need for support services in the region.  

Ms Rhodes is also a beyondblue ambassador.

“Many young people who I've spoken with experienced long waits to get the care they need, which is really concerning” she said. 

“For a young person, making that first call for help can be really tough and to be told they're going to have to wait weeks or even months to access a service can be really disheartening and detrimental to their mental state.

“These people are often at their most vulnerable and we need to make sure that there are more services available so that those who do seek help are rewarded with timely, good quality care rather than being placed on a waiting list.”

Ms Rhodes said depression and anxiety were common in the region.

“After most of my presentations, I'll have at least two or three people come up to me and share their own story,” she said.

“I also think that we need to be aware of illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders as they're much more prevalent than many of us know.”

SANE Australia chief executive officer Jack Heath said the number of people dying from suicide was deeply concerning and people with a complex mental illness had a 10 to 40 per cent increased risk of suicide.

“While as a nation we have made real advances in reducing stigma around mild to moderate mental health conditions, there is still work to be done to help those at the more severe end of the spectrum,” he said.