Leslie Massey
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44. In 2020, 454 young people aged 15-24 died by suicide, and over one-third of deaths in 15-24-year-olds are due to suicide. The age group of 15-44 accounts for 1,612 suicides. Males are three times more likely to die by suicide than females, and they accounted for 75% of deaths by suicide. The suicide rate in Australia is also twice as high for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people than for non-Indigenous people.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age group with the highest suicide rate | 15-44 |
| Suicide rate for this age group | 1,612 deaths in 2020 |
| Suicide rate per 100,000 people | 21.2 |
| Percentage of deaths in this age group due to suicide | 33% |
| Suicide rate for males in this age group | 75-75.9% of deaths by suicide |
| Suicide rate for females in this age group | 25-24.1% of deaths by suicide |
| Age-standardised suicide death rate for males | 18.6 per 100,000 people |
| Age-standardised suicide death rate for females | 5.8 per 100,000 people |
| Suicide rate for males aged 25-34 and 55-64 | Correlation with length of unemployment |
| Suicide rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in this age group | Double that of their non-Indigenous counterparts |
| Suicide rate for rural populations in this age group | Twice as high |
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What You'll Learn
Suicide is the leading cause of death for 15-44-year-olds
The high rate of suicide among young and middle-aged adults in Australia has been linked to several risk factors. One of the most prominent risk factors is mood disorders, which are present in around a third of suicide cases across all age groups. Other common risk factors include relationship problems and substance use, with alcohol being the most commonly detected substance during post-mortem investigations.
Unemployment has also been identified as a significant factor contributing to suicide rates among men aged 25-34 and 55-64. The longer the period of unemployment, the higher the rate of suicides in these age groups. Additionally, there is a strong correlation between suicide and rural residency, with people in rural populations twice as likely to die by suicide. The higher rate of male suicide in rural Australia has been attributed to factors such as easy access to firearms, lower socioeconomic status, and increased social isolation.
The impact of suicide extends beyond the individual, affecting families, friends, and communities. Lifeline, Australia's largest suicide prevention service provider, receives a call to their crisis support line every 28 seconds, underscoring the prevalence and urgency of addressing suicide in the country.
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Males are three times more likely to die by suicide
In Australia, suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 15-44. Within this age group, males account for 75% of deaths by suicide, making them around three times more likely to die by suicide than females. This disparity is not unique to Australia, with men three times more likely to die by suicide in the UK and 3.5 times more likely in the US.
There are several factors that contribute to the higher rate of male suicide in Australia. One factor is the increased accessibility of lethal means, such as firearms, which account for more than half of suicides in the US. In addition, men are nearly twice as likely as women to meet the criteria for alcohol dependence, and there is a strong correlation between alcohol and suicide in Australian young adults. Between 30 and 50% of suicides in Australia involve detectable substances.
Another factor is the difference in communication styles between men and women. It is often said that women are more willing to share their problems, while men tend to bottle them up. However, it is more accurate to say that men are less likely to be aware of any mental health conditions that may be causing their distress and therefore do not seek help through established channels. Instead, some men may attempt to "self-medicate" with substances, which can compound the issue of suicide.
The length of unemployment may also play a role in the higher rate of male suicide. Studies suggest that there is a high correlation between the number of suicides in men and the length of unemployment, with the rate of suicide increasing during periods of low employment. This is particularly true for men aged 25-34 and 55-64.
To address the high rate of male suicide in Australia, mental health and suicide prevention groups are trying to shift the cultural paradigm. One initiative that has gained traction is RU OK? Day, which encourages people to support those struggling with life by starting a conversation. Another approach is the "shoulder-to-shoulder principle," which encourages men to talk while otherwise occupied, such as watching football or going for a bike ride.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a high suicide rate
In Australia, suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 15-44. Within this age group, males are three times more likely to die by suicide than females. In 2020, 454 young people aged 15-24 died by suicide, and over one-third of deaths in this age group were due to suicide.
The high rate of suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has been described as "a humanitarian crisis". The rate of suicide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Western Australia is particularly high. Contributing factors to the high rate of suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people include a lack of meaningful support networks, disintegration of the family, a lack of recognised role models, and the persistent cycle of grief due to the many deaths in communities.
In 2020, all Australian governments and the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations developed the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, which includes a target of a significant and sustained reduction in the suicide of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people towards zero.
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Rural suicide rates are twice that of urban areas
In Australia, suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 44. Within this age group, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. Overall, suicide rates for men and women differ little between rural and urban areas. However, rates for young men are significantly higher in rural settings.
Suicide rates in rural areas are twice that of urban areas and growing. For the years 2010 to 2015, the annual rate for the rural non-Indigenous population in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania was 12.7 suicide deaths per 100,000 persons. This was 11.4% higher than the national Australian rate for the same period and 15.5% higher than the capital city rate for Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide combined.
Several factors contribute to the higher rate of male suicide in rural Australia. Easy access to firearms, a lower socioeconomic lifestyle, and an increased level of social isolation all play a role. There is also a strong correlation between alcohol and drug use and suicide in Australian young adults.
Rural traits such as stoicism and low health literacy have also been linked to higher suicide rates in rural areas. Additionally, the cultural values of rural communities are typically negative toward mental health disclosure and treatment, which contributes to the disengagement of rural communities from treatment that may otherwise prevent suicides.
Suicide prevention strategies in rural and remote areas are most effective when they are community-focused, accessible, and inclusive of the unique needs of regional and remote populations. Gatekeeper training that is led by the community for the community is one example of a prevention activity that can support a rural and remote approach to prevention.
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LGBTIQ+ community members are vulnerable, with high reported attempts
In Australia, suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 15-44. Within this age group, males are three times more likely to die by suicide than females. However, it is important to note that across all age groups, suicide disproportionately affects males, with men accounting for 75% of all suicide deaths.
While the above statistics highlight the alarming rate of male suicide in Australia, it is also crucial to acknowledge the heightened vulnerability of certain subgroups within the population. One such group is the LGBTIQ+ community. Research indicates that LGBTIQ+ community members are vulnerable, with high reported attempts. According to the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health, and Society (2020 and 2021), LGBTIQ+ individuals reported attempting suicide in the past 12 months at a rate ten times higher than the general Australian population.
The elevated risk of suicidal behaviour among LGBTIQ+ individuals is often associated with experiences of stigma, prejudice, discrimination, and abuse directed at them due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. These negative experiences can have detrimental effects on the mental health and overall well-being of LGBTIQ+ people, increasing their risk of suicidal ideation and attempts.
Trans and gender-diverse individuals within the LGBTIQ+ community face even higher risks. According to the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (2020-2022), almost half of trans people aged 16-34 years (46.6%) experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress. This distress can lead to thoughts of suicide, with 28.5% of trans individuals aged 16-85 years having seriously considered suicide during their lifetime, compared to 16.5% of cis individuals.
To address the high rate of suicide attempts among LGBTIQ+ community members, it is essential to foster protective factors such as community connectedness and positive relationships. These factors can help create a sense of belonging and affirm the identities of LGBTIQ+ individuals, contributing to improved mental health and reduced risk of suicide. Additionally, addressing the underlying causes of stigma, discrimination, and abuse directed at the LGBTIQ+ community is vital to creating a more supportive and inclusive environment that promotes better mental health outcomes.
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Frequently asked questions
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44. In 2020, 454 young people aged 15-24 died by suicide, and over one-third of deaths in 15-24-year-olds are due to suicide.
In Australia, suicide is much more common among males than females, with males accounting for 75% of deaths by suicide. Males aged 85 and older experience the highest age-specific rate of suicide.
Yes, there are some notable patterns in the data. Firstly, suicide rates are generally higher among rural and regional dwellers, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Secondly, there is a strong correlation between alcohol and drug use and suicide in Australian young adults. Finally, studies suggest a link between the length of unemployment and suicide rates in men, with higher rates observed in those aged 25-34 and 55-64.
Lifeline Australia is the country's largest suicide prevention service provider. They offer a 24/7 crisis support line, 41 centres, and a network of volunteers and employees to provide support and resources for people experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.
