Australian Study Links Recent Breakups to Higher Suicide Attempt Rates in Men

Men who experienced a relationship breakdown in the past year were seven times more likely to report a suicide attempt than those who had not, according to a study published by the Australian Institute of Family Studies. The Ten to Men project surveyed more than 20,000 Australian men and examined links between relationship breakdowns and mental health outcomes.

4 percent among men who had not experienced a recent breakup.

The rate of reported suicide attempts showed a larger difference. 9 percent of men who had not. The elevated risk persisted for years after the breakup and remained after researchers accounted for age, income, employment, social support, and prior suicidal thoughts. Fathers showed particular vulnerability. 9 percent of fathers who had not split up.

Current or serving Australian Defence Force personnel also showed a large gap. 8 percent who had not. Dr Sean Martin, longitudinal head of Ten to Men, said some men experienced distress soon after separation while others struggled later. He emphasized the need for both short-term and long-term support following relationship breakdowns.

"The findings highlight relationship breakdown as a major life transition associated with elevated suicide risk for men," he said. Men account for three in four deaths by suicide in Australia. Suicide is the leading cause of death for men aged 15 to 44 and the third-highest cause for men aged 45 to 64.

The federal government’s men’s health special envoy Dan Repacholi said staying connected can make a difference and urged men experiencing separation to seek help from friends, family, or support services.