Omari Gates
Youth suicide is a significant issue in Australia, with the country witnessing a concerning rise in the number of young people taking their own lives. Suicide is the leading cause of death among young Australians, with more than 350 individuals aged 18-24 dying by suicide annually. This figure does not account for the numerous suicide attempts made by young people, with estimates suggesting that for every youth suicide, there are 100 to 200 attempts. The situation is particularly dire in Queensland, where youth suicide rates have been steadily increasing, with 128 children lost to suicide in the past five years. This national crisis has prompted Queensland's chief health officer, John Gerrard, to declare a public health alert, underscoring the urgency of addressing the mental wellbeing of Australian teenagers.
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What You'll Learn
Youth suicide rates in Queensland
Youth suicide is a significant concern in Queensland, Australia, with rising rates in recent years. In 2022-23, 20 young Queenslanders died by suicide, which is a decrease from the previous years: 30 in 2020-21 and 37 in 2018-19. However, the rate of youth suicide has been increasing by 1.9% each year over the past five years, resulting in 128 child suicide deaths during this period. Suicide is the leading cause of death for those aged 10-17 in Queensland, with mental health issues and psychological distress being the primary drivers.
The First Nations youth suicide rate in Queensland is particularly alarming. The age-specific suicide rate for First Nations youth was 24.71 deaths per 100,000 persons per year, which is 4.5 times higher than the rate for non-Indigenous youth. This disparity highlights the urgent need for alternative approaches to Indigenous youth suicide prevention, such as assertive outreach models to build trusting relationships with at-risk youth.
Risk factors for youth suicide in Queensland include self-harm, childhood trauma and adversity, family history of mental health issues, exposure to suicide, and bullying. Early intervention and support are crucial in addressing these risk factors. However, there is a reported lack of affordable and accessible mental health services for young people with suicidal thoughts who do not require hospitalisation.
To address the youth suicide crisis in Queensland, a coordinated community approach is necessary, involving early intervention, support, and education. It is essential to listen to young people with lived experience of the mental health system and include their perspectives in improving services. Additionally, open communication and encouragement to seek help from trusted adults are vital in preventing youth suicide.
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Suicide as the leading cause of death for young Australians
Suicide is the leading cause of death for young Australians. In 2022, 94 children (aged 5-17 years) died by suicide, accounting for 18.5% of all child deaths. This represents a rate of 2.2 per 100,000 children, with males having a suicide rate of 2.4 per 100,000 and females 2.0 per 100,000. In 2022-23, 20 children aged 10-17 died by suicide in Queensland alone. Suicide is the leading cause of death for those aged 15-24, with more than 350 people in this age group taking their own lives each year.
Young people are especially vulnerable to suicide. For every young person who dies by suicide, there are 100 to 200 more attempts. Common risk factors include mental health conditions, physical illnesses or disabilities, substance use and prior suicide attempts. Warning signs include sudden mood or behaviour changes, aggression, irritability, talk of death, self-harm and engaging in risky behaviour. Young people may be less likely to attempt suicide if they have positive relationships with parents, other adults and close friends.
In 2019, the suicide rate in Australia was 13.2 per 100,000, compared to a global rate of 9.0 per 100,000. In 2023, the age-standardised suicide rate was 18.0, and in 2022 it was 18.9. While the suicide rate for females appears to have decreased since 2022, this may be due to revisions of the dataset. The median age of death by suicide in Australia was 45.6 years, compared to 82.0 years for all deaths.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have poorer mental health and higher rates of self-harm and suicide than the general population in Australia due to experiences of discrimination, historical dispossession, the forcible removal of children, cultural suppression and exclusion. The median age of death by suicide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples was 33.0 years, more than a decade younger than the median age of death by suicide for the general population. In 2023, there were 275 registered deaths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who died by suicide, an increase across all jurisdictions except Western Australia compared to 2014-18.
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Suicide rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
There are a variety of factors that contribute to the high suicide rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Historical dispossession, forcible removal of children, cultural suppression, and experiences of discrimination have led to poorer mental health and higher rates of self-harm and suicide. Additionally, poverty and a lack of connection to traditional lands have been identified as significant contributors to the high suicide rates within these communities.
Suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is considered a post-colonisation phenomenon, with rates increasing markedly from the 1960s onwards. It is important to understand the ongoing effects of colonisation and the importance of culture for individual and communal healing.
To address the high suicide rates, a multi-sectoral approach is necessary, involving health, education, employment, welfare agencies, law enforcement, housing providers, and non-governmental organisations. Empowering communities to take ownership of their affairs and strengthening connections between youth and Elders can also help reduce suicide rates.
While the Australian government has implemented initiatives such as the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, there are concerns that the response to this epidemic is inadequate. Suicide prevention efforts within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities must be prioritised and adequately resourced to effectively address this critical issue.
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Gender differences in youth suicide rates
Youth suicide is a significant issue in Australia, with young people particularly at risk. Suicide is the leading cause of death for young Australians, and the rates of youth suicide are rising in some states, such as Queensland.
While suicide affects people of all genders, there are notable gender differences in the rates of suicide attempts and deaths. Overall, males are around three times more likely to die by suicide than females. In 2019, males accounted for 75.3% of deaths by suicide in Australia, while females accounted for 24.7%. The median age at death for men was 45.8 years, while for women it was 44.4 years.
When examining youth suicide specifically, the gender differences persist. In 2022, the suicide rate among male children (aged 5-17) was 2.4 per 100,000, while for female children, it was 2.0 per 100,000. Similarly, for those under 20 years old, 4.3% of suicides were male, compared to 8.2% for females. This indicates that while male youths have a higher suicide rate overall, females in this age group are more proportionally affected.
The reasons for these gender differences are complex and multifaceted. Cultural norms, societal expectations, and gender roles may contribute to the disparities. Additionally, males and females may experience and cope with emotional distress differently, which can influence their suicide risk. It is crucial to recognize that suicide is a significant concern for young people of all genders, and tailored prevention strategies and support services are necessary to address their unique needs.
Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge the specific challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. They experience higher rates of suicide than the non-Indigenous population due to various factors, including experiences of discrimination, historical dispossession, and cultural suppression. The median age of death by suicide for Indigenous Australians is 33.0 years, more than a decade younger than the median age for the general population. This highlights the urgent need for culturally sensitive and effective mental health interventions and support for Indigenous youth.
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Youth suicide prevention
Youth suicide is a major public health crisis in Australia. Suicide is the leading cause of death among young Australians aged 15-24, with more than 350 people in this age group taking their own lives each year. This figure does not account for the 100 to 200 more suicide attempts made by young people for every suicide death.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are disproportionately affected by suicide, with a median age of death by suicide of 33.0 years, over a decade younger than the general population's median age of 45.5 years. The suicide rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples increased by 20% between 2014 and 2018 and 2019-2023, and they experience significantly higher rates of suicide than non-Indigenous youth.
To address this crisis, the Australian government has committed to a national approach to mental health and suicide prevention, including initiatives to grow the capacity of the youth mental health workforce and improve accessibility.
- Recognise Risk Factors and Warning Signs: Common risk factors for suicide include mental health conditions, physical illnesses or disabilities, substance use, and prior suicide attempts. Warning signs may include sudden mood or behaviour changes, aggression, irritability, talk of death, self-harm, and engagement in risky behaviour. Learning these signs and keeping open communication with youth can help identify those at risk.
- Seek Professional Help: If a young person is at risk of suicide, encourage them to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. This can include contacting healthdirect Australia to speak with a nurse or doctor for guidance, or calling triple zero (000) or Lifeline on 13 11 14 in an emergency. In the US, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7.
- Build Resilience and Positive Relationships: Young people with strong support systems and positive relationships with parents, adults, and friends may be less likely to attempt suicide. Encourage youth to reach out to trusted adults and friends for help and guidance.
- Safe Storage: Keep medicines, weapons, and guns locked away and out of the reach of children and teenagers.
- Address Mental Health and Substance Abuse Problems: Help youth access treatment and support for any mental health or substance abuse issues. Encourage them to view asking for help as a sign of strength and resilience.
- Safety Plans: Creating a safety plan can help guide young people through difficult moments and provide strategies to keep them safe.
- Educational Resources: Resources such as the Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention can help clinicians, adults working with youth, and other professionals identify and support at-risk youth.
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Frequently asked questions
Youth suicide is the leading cause of death for young Australians aged 10-17 and 18-24. In 2022, 94 children (aged 5-17) died by suicide, accounting for 18.5% of all child deaths. The suicide rate for children has increased since 2022 but remains lower than the rates in 2019-2021.
The suicide rate for children in Australia is 2.2 per 100,000 children. The rate is higher for males at 2.4 per 100,000 (53 deaths) and 2.0 per 100,000 for females (41 deaths).
The global age-standardised suicide rate in 2019 was 9.0 per 100,000. Australia's suicide rate in 2019 was 13.2.
Common risk factors for youth suicide in Australia include mental health conditions, physical illnesses or disabilities, substance use, and prior suicide attempts. Young people may be less likely to attempt suicide if they have positive relationships with parents, other adults, or close friends.
Signs of suicide risk include sudden mood or behaviour changes, aggression, irritability, talk of death, self-harm, and engaging in risky behaviour. If you or someone you know is experiencing these warning signs, it is important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional.
