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Data and statistics

Behind every number is a person

Suicide has a deep and lasting impact on individuals, families and communities across Australia. At Lifeline, we believe that suicide can be prevented. Through connection, compassion, continued support and advocacy, we are committed to keeping people safe and working towards our shared vision: an Australia free of suicide.

Fast facts: Lifeline at a glance

Every day, thousands of Australians reach out for support.

Over 1.4 million people contact Lifeline each year.
A call to 13 11 14 is answered every 28 seconds.
Lifeline’s Text and Chat services support thousands of Australians every month.
More than 4,000 crisis supporters volunteer across our national network.

Lifeline has been here for more than 60 years, offering free, confidential crisis support to anyone who needs it - anytime, anywhere in Australia.

Suicide statistics in Australia

Understanding the data can help us build hope, reduce stigma and prevent suicide.

An average of 9 Australians die by suicide each day.
While we don't have an exact number, estimates suggest that more than 54,000 Australians may attempt suicide each year.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15–44.
75% of people who die by suicide are men, especially those aged 40–59 and 85+.
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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people die by suicide at rates 2.5–2.6 times higher than non-Indigenous Australians.
People in regional and rural populations are twice as likely to take their life by suicide.
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.

Joe Williams, Proud Wiradjuri man and mental health advocate

Common reasons people seek support

Every day, Lifeline supports people navigating a wide range of challenges, not just suicidal crisis.

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.

Understanding these common experiences helps us tailor support, from one-on-one crisis conversations to self-led strategies in our Support Toolkit.

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.

Learn more about the Lifeline Research Office here.

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.

Explore Lifeline's media resources.

Visit Mindframe for safe reporting guidance.