Suicide in Australia
Suicide involves not only a tragic loss of a life but also great sadness and soul-searching amongst the family and friends of the person who has died and the community at large. Over 2,000 Australians die from suicide every year. For every person who kills themselves, there are a least another 30 people who attempt suicide. The risk is higher for young people between 15 and 30 and those over 65. More men than women take their own lives, and the rate for single people is twice that of married people. There is no doubt that depression is a major cause of suicide. Of those who do kill themselves, many have experienced major depression or bipolar disorder.

Suicide and mental illness
Around 20% of Australians are affected by some form of mental disorder at some time in their lives. Approximately 5% are affected by depression, and 3% by illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Suicide is the main cause of premature death among people with mental illness; over 10% of those affected kill themselves within the first 10 years of diagnosis. Yet many of those who have attempted or seriously thought about killing themselves will, with medical intervention, counselling, social support and time, go on to live full and productive lives.

What about youth suicide?
Since the mid-1960s, there has been an alarming increase in the suicide rate of 15-30 year olds, especially young men. Suicide is now the second most common cause of death in this group. Most young people who have committed suicide have experienced some form of mental illness.

Contributing factors
For people with a mental illness, the pain and distress of the illness can be so great they may feel an overwhelming desire to end it all. Others say their illness was only recognised or taken seriously after a suicide attempt. An attempt may be an early sign of a mental illness developing, and it is important to obtain assessment and treatment if this is the case. For someone with a mental illness, the following may contribute to suicide –

Depression
The majority of people with mental illness who suicide will have experienced significant depression. depression may be a result of the illness itself, the person realising how severe their illness is, or occasionally as a side-effect of medication.

Psychotic symptoms
Some may suicide because they are confused or even directed by their hallucinations, or to bring them relief from untreated symptoms.

Drugs and alcohol
The abuse of drugs (such as marijuana, heroin, amphetamines) and alcohol is closely related to suicidal behaviour.

How do I find out more?
It is important to ask your doctor about any concerns you have.
SANE Australia also produces a range of easy-to-read publications and multimedia resources on mental illness.

For more information about this topic see:
'The SANE Guide to Staying Alive'
Use the Order Form which came with this Factsheet or visit the SANE Bookshop at www.sane.org

Please download the factsheet for the full text. (You will need Acrobat reader to read this.)

SANE Australia . . . Suicide and Mental Illness

©SANE Factsheet 14a and 14b
This Factsheet may be freely downloaded, copied and distributed on condition no change is made to the contents. SANE Australia is not responsible for any actions taken as a result of information or opinions contained in the Factsheet. SANE Australia is a business name of Schizophrenia Australia Foundation.
[Version English, 2004)