Suicide Prevention Australia’s latest Community Tracker has unveiled a significant gender disparity in suicide risk factors, with women experiencing elevated levels of distress related to cost-of-living, personal debt, family and relationship breakdowns, and housing affordability.
These findings underscore the urgent need for the release of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, a 10-year roadmap aimed at addressing this national crisis.
The Community Tracker results have prompted Suicide Prevention Australia to call on the Federal Government to finalize and release the National Strategy, aligning with government statements and budget commitments.
The organisation argues that the release of this long-awaited strategy would provide the sector and community with increased certainty and hope during these challenging times.
Key Community Tracker Insights:
Women report higher levels of distress than men, driven by cost-of-living pressures, personal debt, family and relationship breakdowns, and housing issues.
Over three in five Australians (61 percent) experiencing suicidal behaviours report distress related to cost-of-living, with 58 percent seeking help from suicide prevention services.
Respondents identified cost-of-living and personal debt (69 percent) and family and relationship breakdown (56 percent) as significant risks to suicide rates in the coming year.
Chris Stone, Acting CEO of Suicide Prevention Australia, described the findings as a “cautionary signal“ regarding the potential increase in the number of people experiencing suicidal crises. “Suicide is complex and often a result of multiple, compounding factors. Reaching out for support early is an important step towards regaining a sense of hope,“ Stone said.
Nick Tebbey, National Executive Officer of Relationships Australia, emphasised the critical need for support systems to help individuals navigate significant life events and external pressures.
“These findings reveal the critical need to ensure that everyone in Australia is supported to navigate significant life events and respond to external pressures. When communities are connected, and adequate supports are in place for individuals and families, there is a significant improvement to resilience and well-being in times of distress,“ Tebbey stated.
The findings from the Community Tracker highlight the necessity of prompt government action to address these disparities and support at-risk populations through comprehensive and sustained measures.
