In the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2017, mood disorders, like anxiety and depression were the most common factor associated with suicide, with depression reported in 43% of suicides and anxiety reported in 17.5%. Drug and alcohol use disorders were reported in 29.5%.

While women are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, men are less likely to talk about it, and far less likely to seek help. This increases the risk of their depression or anxiety going unrecognised and untreated.

Men are at least three times more likely to die by suicide than women.

Every day in Australia, almost six men die by suicide.

The number of men who die by suicide in Australia is nearly three times the number who die in all types of road accidents combined.

One in nine Australians is currently experiencing high or very high psychological distress.

Youth as a risk factor

  • Suicide continues to be the biggest killer of young Australians. In 2017 in WA suicide was the leading cause of death for young people aged 15-24 years
  • One in ten young people aged 12-17 years old will self-harm, one in 13 will seriously consider a suicide attempt, and one in 40 will attempt suicide.
  • Over 75% of mental health problems begin before the age of 14
  • Almost one-fifth of all young people aged 11 to 17 years’ experience high or very high levels of psychological distress.
  • Young people are less likely than any other age group to seek professional help – with young women 3 times for likely to seek help than young men

Other at-risk groups include Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI); Regional and rural Australians, FIFO workers and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities.

References
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2017). Causes of Death, Australian. 2017 – Beyond Blue

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