Men who experience relationship breakdown (e.g. divorce or separation) are at substantially higher risk of suicidal thoughts than those who do not. Given the high prevalence of relationship breakdown and concerning associations with poor mental health and suicidal thoughts and behaviours, it is crucial for society to better support men experiencing relationship breakdown and its lasting impacts. Drawing on data from Ten to Men, a nationwide longitudinal study on the health and wellbeing of Australian boys and men, this report explores the experiences of men aged 15 to 67 who have had a relationship breakdown. 

The report discusses a range of implications for policy and practice, including a population-wide approach to interventions following relationship breakdown.

Key findings

• Almost 31% of men who had experienced a relationship breakdown in the previous year reported suicidal thoughts, compared with 14% of men who had not.
• Men who had recently separated were around seven times more likely to report a suicide attempt (7% compared with 1%).
• Men who experienced relationship breakdown were up to 3.7 times more likely to attempt suicide one to two years later, and still around 2.8 times more likely three to four years on, even after accounting for prior risk factors. The research also shows this heightened risk is seen broadly across different groups of men, supporting a population wide response.

The report is provided with supplementary materials.