Men seven times more likely to attempt suicide after breakup, study finds

Men who have recently gone through a breakup are seven times more likely to report a suicide attempt than those who haven’t, a new study shows

The Ten to Men project has followed more than 20,000 Australian men and identified the mental health risks in relationship breakdowns, which can include changes in their contact with their children, in their finances, and in their support network.

The project, run by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (Aifs), looked at men’s suicidal thoughts, plans and attempts.

It found that those who had had a relationship breakdown in the past year (2024-25) were more than twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts in the two weeks before being surveyed compared to those who hadn’t. Almost one in three (30.8%) reported such thoughts, compared to 14.4%.

The statistics on suicide attempts were even more stark, with men about seven times as likely to report an attempt after a breakup than during a relationship or while already single. Of the men surveyed, 6.8% reported a suicide attempt in the wake of a breakup, compared to 0.9% not dealing with a recent relationship breakdown.

That heightened risk continues for years after the breakup and the association remains even after accounting for age, income, employment, social support and prior suicidal thoughts.

Aifs Ten to Men longitudinal head, Dr Sean Martin, said some men were distressed soon after separation, while others coped initially but struggled over time, highlighting the importance of followups in the aftermath, and for years after that.

“The findings highlight relationship breakdown as a major life transition associated with elevated suicide risk for men,” he said.

“Separation can bring a cluster of changes all at once – disruption in contact with children, changes in housing or finances, and a shrinking support network.

“These pressures often don’t occur in isolation, and the emotional impact can build rapidly, particularly in the months immediately following a breakup.”

Fathers were particularly affected: about 14.4% of fathers surveyed made suicidal plans after relationship breakdowns, compared to 2.9% of those who had not split up with their partners.

There was also a large gap for current or serving Australian Defence Force personnel. About 12.8% surveyed had attempted suicide after a relationship breakdown, compared to 0.8% who hadn’t had one.

Overall, men account for three in four of all deaths by suicide. It is the leading cause of death for men aged 15 to 44, and the third-highest for men aged 45 to 64.

The federal government’s men’s health special envoy, Dan Repacholi, said “staying connected can make all the difference”.

“Breaking up is tough at the best of times, but for some blokes it can be the start of a really difficult period,” he said.

“Too many men try to carry everything on their own.

“If you’re going through a separation, don’t wait until you’re at breaking point. Reach out to your mates, your family, your GP or a support service. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”

The paper’s authors wrote that the study “addresses key evidence gaps by providing detailed information on the prevalence, timing and distribution of suicidal thoughts and behaviours following relationship breakdown”.

The report also found suicidal thoughts have increased for men overall over the past decade, from 21% of men experiencing relationship breakdowns in 2013-14 to 31% in 2024-25 and 9% to 14% without a break up.

Ten to Men is the world’s largest longitudinal study on men’s health.

The latest paper found the “key life event” of relationship breakdown should be recognised as a critical time for prevention, needing both short-term and long-term support, and that the risk across different groups of men supported a population-wide response.

It noted that men may be at a higher risk of suicide than women because of a lack of quality social support networks, with men more often relying on that intimate partner rather than friends. Men might also be less likely to communicate emotional distress.

It has been well established that some groups, including LGBTQ+ people, men in regional or remote areas, First Nations men, ADF personnel and men with disabilities, have higher rates of suicide and poorer mental health overall, the report noted.

“Relationship breakdown is a significant turning point for many men, and it can have ongoing implications, Relationships Australia Victoria senior manager Carolyn Last said.

“We often see men struggling with grief, isolation and loss of identity, especially for fathers, which can increase vulnerability to suicidal thoughts and behaviours if they don’t receive help at the right time.”

In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Support is available at Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14, and at MensLine on 1300 789 978. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123. In the US, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org