A new study from the Ten to Men project reveals that recently single Australian men are seven times more likely to report a suicide attempt compared to those who have not experienced a breakup. The research, which tracks over 20,000 men, highlights significant mental health risks associated with relationship breakdowns.
Key Findings on Suicide Risk
The study found that men who went through a relationship breakdown in the past year were more than twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts in the two weeks before being surveyed. Nearly one in three (30.8%) reported such thoughts, compared to 14.4% of those who had not experienced a breakup. The statistics on suicide attempts were even more striking: 6.8% of men reported a suicide attempt after a breakup, compared to just 0.9% of those without a recent relationship breakdown.
This heightened risk persists for years after the breakup, even after accounting for factors such as age, income, employment, social support, and prior suicidal thoughts.
Impact on Fathers and ADF Personnel
Fathers were particularly affected, with about 14.4% reporting suicidal plans after a relationship breakdown, compared to 2.9% of fathers who had not split up. Current or serving Australian Defence Force personnel also faced elevated risks: 12.8% had attempted suicide after a breakup, compared to 0.8% of those who had not experienced one.
Broader Context
Men account for three in four deaths by suicide in Australia, and it is the leading cause of death for men aged 15 to 44. The federal government's men's health special envoy, Dan Repacholi, emphasized the importance of staying connected and seeking help.
"Breaking up is tough at the best of times, but for some blokes it can be the start of a really difficult period," Repacholi said. "Too many men try to carry everything on their own. If you're going through a separation, don't wait until you're at breaking point. Reach out to your mates, your family, your GP or a support service. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness."
Long-Term Risks and Prevention
Dr. Sean Martin, head of the Ten to Men project, noted that relationship breakdown brings a cluster of changes—disruption in contact with children, changes in housing or finances, and a shrinking support network. These pressures often build rapidly, especially in the months following a breakup.
The study authors wrote that the research "addresses key evidence gaps by providing detailed information on the prevalence, timing and distribution of suicidal thoughts and behaviours following relationship breakdown." They called for recognizing relationship breakdown as a critical time for prevention, requiring both short-term and long-term support.
Support Services
In Australia, support is available through Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), and MensLine (1300 789 978). International helplines include Samaritans in the UK and Ireland (116 123) and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US (988 or 988lifeline.org).
