Heartbreaking rate of suicide ‘unacceptable’

Suicide was the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15 to 49 last year, with relationship issues one of the key drivers.

The rate of suicide for males increased over 10 years from 17.5 per 100,000 to 19.8 in 2019. For females over the same period it increased from 5.0 to 6.3.

Suicide was the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15 to 49 last year, with relationship issues one of the key drivers.

Over one-third of all deaths of people aged 15-24 in 2019 were due to suicide, new Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals.

Overall there were 2502 male suicides and 816 female suicides, making suicide the 13th leading cause of death overall in 2019.

The rate of suicide for males increased over 10 years from 17.5 per 100,000 to 19.8 in 2019. For females over the same period it increased from 5.0 to 6.3.

Overall, 12.9 people per 100,000 died from suicide last year. Mood disorders, including depression, were the most common comorbidity, mentioned in 38.7 per cent of male suicides and 46.3 per cent of female suicides.

Spousal relationship problems were the third most common risk factor, identified among 25.9 per cent of all suicides.

“These figures are heartbreaking and unacceptable,” Suicide Prevention Australia chief executive Nieves Murray said.

“Part of the solution is identifying those in distress before they reach crisis point and helping them find the right support.”

Beyond the numbers, experts are concerned the yearly collation of national suicide data doesn’t support nimble policy or treatment responses, an issue of concern in the midst of a global pandemic.

“There has to be more dynamic, real-time data around suicide,” Black Dog Institute director Helen Christensen told The Weekend Australian.

“We welcome most states in Australia moving to real-time data monitoring, and this data should be accessible to organisations involved in suicide prevention planning.”

Available 2020 data, including information from the Victorian Coroner, suggests no noticeable increase in suicides from 2019 despite the social limitations introduced due to COVID-19.

If you or anyone you know needs help contact: Lifeline: 13 11 14; or Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636