Understanding suicide

Facts and figures

In Australia, 3,139 people died by suicide in 2020, making it the 15th leading cause of death. 

Around 13.3% of adults experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime and 4% of adults make a suicide plan. Around 3.2% of adults attempt to take their own life at some point in their lives.

You can access up to date information about suicide in Australia through the Australian Bureau of Statistics. 

Risk factors

The risk factors associated with suicide are complex and vary from person to person. But there are some common risk factors:

• stressful life events (e.g. relationship problems, the death of someone close, loss of employment, financial or legal problems, etc.)
• trauma (e.g. domestic/familial abuse, natural disaster, etc.)
• mental illness or physical illness
• previous suicide attempts
• drug or alcohol abuse
• poor living circumstances, especially social isolation
• feelings of hopelessness and being in situations that cannot be escaped.

There are some common suicide risk factors (e.g. stressful events and trauma) and there are also some common protective factors (e.g. connections with family, friends and co-workers). It can be useful to know the suicide risks and the protective factors. 

Common misconceptions

Common misconceptions about suicide can stop people from recognising that someone may need help. These common misconceptions include the following:

Myth: Only people experiencing mental ill-health die by suicide. 

Suicidal behaviour may indicate deep unhappiness or distress, not necessarily a mental illness. Many people living with mental ill-health are not suicidal, and not all people who die by suicide were experiencing mental ill-health at the time.

Myth: Someone who attempts suicide is determined to take their own life.

People who are feeling suicidal may be experiencing an overwhelming sense of distress and want the feeling to stop. People experiencing suicidal thoughts can feel alone or like they do not want to be a ‘burden’ to others.

Myth: People who attempt suicide will behave this way again in future. 

For many, the risk of suicide is often short term and related to a specific situation or challenge. While some people experience persistent suicidal thoughts, others may not experience these in the same way again. 

Myth: Suicide happens without warning. 

While some deaths by suicide happen without any obvious warning, many are preceded by some sort of warning signs or signals.

Protective factors

Protective factors are things that can prevent someone from ending their own life. It is important to identify and understand what can help: 

• connections to friends, family and community
• supportive social relationships
• a sense of control or purpose
• family harmony
• the ability to effectively seek and receive help
• positive connections to good health services
• life skills including problem solving, social and coping skills
• positive change in socioeconomic conditions e.g. access to housing.

Making sure people have access to support at the right time can prevent suicide.