2. Suicide prevention

Populations disproportionately impacted by suicide

Suicide and self-harm are complex, and can affect people of all ages, cultures, sexual orientations, occupations and places they live. However, it is widely acknowledged that some groups of people have a disproportionately increased risk of suicide than that of other populations. Understanding the different needs for these populations, can assist in our approach to promotion of mental health and wellbeing, prevention and postvention initiatives which can be different in these communities.

In addition, there are many people who may identify with and form part of multiple communities that are disproportionately impacted by suicide and therefore it is important to consider this diversity.

In this section

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are identified as a population disproportionately impacted by suicide in Australia.

Culturally and linguistically diverse communities

People from culturally and linguistically diverse communities can face distinct risks because of cultural stigma and taboos, combined with language barriers that can prevent help seeking and effective public health communications.

LGBTIQA+ communities

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer and other sexuality, gender and bodily diverse (LGBTIQA+) people are identified as a population disproportionately impacted by suicide in Australia.

Men

Men are a population disproportionately impacted by suicide in Australia. Suicide prevention efforts are needed to support men in all of their diversity.

Older adults

Older adults are exposed to a range of risk factors which can increase vulnerability to suicide such as chronic pain, dependence on others and loss of autonomy, loss of a partner or friends and loneliness.

People experiencing mental health concerns or mental illness

People experiencing mental health concerns or mental illness are identified as a priority population for suicide prevention within Australia.

People living in rural and remote areas

People living in rural and remote Australia are identified as a population disproportionately impacted by suicide in Australia.

The term ‘rural and remote Australia’ represents the land area outside Australian major cities and includes inner and outer regional areas, remote and very remote areas.

People who have experienced a suicide attempt

A previous suicide attempt is the largest single factor indicating future suicide risk and death by suicide. Appropriate professional support following a suicide attempt can help to reduce the risk of subsequent attempts

People with harmful use of alcohol and other drugs (AOD)

People with alcohol and other drug (AOD) concerns are disproportionately impacted by suicide in Australia.

Veterans and Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel

The National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement identifies veterans specifically as a population disproportionately impacted by suicide in Australia.

Young people

Suicide has devastating impacts on individuals, families and the community. It is a significant health concern for Australian young people, with suicide being the leading cause of death.