Recently single Australian men seven times more likely to report suicide attempt, study shows

A longitudinal study tracking over 20,000 Australian men has found that those who recently separated from a partner are seven times more likely to report a suicide attempt compared to those who have not. The research, conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), found that 6.8% of men who had a relationship breakdown in the past year reported a suicide attempt, versus 0.9% of men without such a breakup.

Suicidal thoughts were also more than double—30.8% of recently single men had such thoughts in the two weeks before the survey, compared to 14.4% of others. The elevated risk continues for years after the split, even after accounting for age, income, employment, social support, and previous suicidal thoughts.

Fathers were especially affected: 14.4% of fathers made suicidal plans after a breakup, compared to 2.9% of those still in relationships. Among current or former Australian Defence Force personnel, 12.8% reported a suicide attempt following separation, versus 0.8% without a recent breakup.

Dr. Sean Martin, head of the Ten to Men project, said the findings highlight relationship breakdown as a major life transition linked to elevated suicide risk for men. He noted that separation often brings simultaneous changes in contact with children, housing, finances, and support networks.

Dan Repacholi, the federal government's men's health envoy, encouraged men to seek support, stating that asking for help is a sign of strength. The study also found that suicidal thoughts among Australian men overall have increased over the past decade, from 21% in 2013-14 to 31% in 2024-25 for those with breakups, and from 9% to 14% for those without.