A recent Australian study has revealed a stark increase in suicide attempts among men following relationship breakdowns, with those who have recently separated being seven times more likely to report an attempt than those in a relationship or already single. The 'Ten to Men' project, a longitudinal study following over 20,000 Australian men, highlighted the profound mental health risks associated with the end of a relationship, including disruptions to contact with children, financial instability, and a shrinking support network.
The research, conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (Aifs), examined men's suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts. It found that nearly one in three men (30.8%) who had experienced a relationship breakdown in the past year reported suicidal thoughts in the two weeks prior to being surveyed, compared to 14.4% of men who had not. The figures for actual suicide attempts were even more concerning, with 6.8% of men reporting an attempt after a breakup, contrasting with 0.9% of those not dealing with a recent separation.
The study also indicated that fathers are particularly vulnerable, with approximately 14.4% of fathers surveyed making suicidal plans after relationship breakdowns, in comparison to 2.9% of those whose relationships remained intact. Dr Sean Martin, head of the Aifs Ten to Men longitudinal study, emphasised that the distress can manifest immediately or develop over time, underscoring the necessity of ongoing support for years after a separation. He noted that a breakup often brings a cluster of simultaneous changes that can rapidly compound emotional impact.
These findings resonate with broader statistics on male suicide, which consistently show men accounting for three in four of all deaths by suicide. It remains the leading cause of death for men aged 15 to 44 in Australia, and the third-highest for those aged 45 to 64. The authors of the paper stressed that relationship breakdown should be recognised as a critical period for suicide prevention, requiring both immediate and sustained support interventions across the population.
The report also highlighted a general increase in suicidal thoughts among men over the past decade, from 21% of men experiencing relationship breakdowns in 2013-14 to 31% in 2024-25. It suggested that men may be at higher risk due to a potential lack of quality social support networks, often relying heavily on their intimate partner rather than a broader circle of friends. This can leave them particularly isolated when a relationship ends.
While this study was conducted in Australia, its findings offer important insights that could be relevant to the UK context, where similar patterns in male mental health and suicide rates are observed. The NHS and various charities in the UK offer support for men experiencing mental health difficulties, and it is crucial for individuals to seek help if they are struggling.
Source: The Guardian