Research
Data & statistics
Suicide has a devastating impact on families, friends and whole communities. The following statistics can be confronting, behind every number is a human life.
Lifeline statistics
Lifeline is Australia’s largest suicide prevention service provider.
Australians
Each year, over 1 million Australians reach out to Lifeline for support.
seconds
Lifeline’s crisis support line receives a call every 29 seconds.
volunteers
Lifeline’s network of 41 centres, 10,000 volunteers, and 1,000 employees provide a lifesaving national infrastructure for those experiencing immense pain and anguish.
crisis supporters
There are 3,500 crisis supporters working with Lifeline so that no person in Australia has to face their toughest moments alone.
Suicide statistics in Australia
Understanding the data can help us build hope, reduce stigma and prevent suicide.
Australians
An average of 9 Australians die by suicide each day.
Australians
While we don't have an exact number, estimates suggest that more than 54,000 Australians may attempt suicide each year.
of suicide deaths
75% of people who die by suicide are men, especially those aged 40–59 and 85+.
Australians
1 in 6 Australians have experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviours in their lifetime, and 3.3% have experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviours in the previous 12 months.
Communities at risk of suicide in Australia
Suicide and distress affect everyone, but some communities are more impacted.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people die by suicide at rates 2.5–2.6 times higher than non-Indigenous Australians.
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Regional and rural populations
People in regional and rural populations are twice as likely to take their life by suicide.
Learn more
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LGBTQIA+ communities
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community report suicide attempts at rates up to 10 times higher than the general population.
'When children as young as 12 are taking their own lives, we have to stop seeing this as just an Aboriginal issue – it’s a national crisis. It’s a people issue.'
Common reasons people seek support
Every day, Lifeline supports people navigating a wide range of challenges, not just suicidal crisis.
Understanding these common experiences helps us tailor support, from one-on-one crisis conversations to self-led strategies in our Support Toolkit. Many reach out due to:
Psychological distress, which is reported by 1 in 4 women and 1 in 5 men
Financial stress, which contributes to emotional distress and is a growing reason people contact Lifeline
Loneliness and social isolation, with 1 in 5 Australians reporting they often feel very lonely
Relationship and family pressures, including separation, conflict or grief
How we use data to inform support
At Lifeline, data is more than numbers; it’s the foundation of how we understand distress, reduce risk and support recovery.
The Lifeline Research Office brings together evidence, insight and lived experience to guide the development of our services. From our crisis support training to the resources in the Support Toolkit, everything we create is grounded in research and shaped by the voices of those with lived and living experience.
Communicating safely about suicide
When talking or reporting about suicide and mental health challenges, it’s vital to use safe, respectful language. Lifeline recommends the Mindframe guidelines for media and communicators.
We're here for you
Confidential one-to-one support with a trained Lifeline crisis supporter.
If life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000)