ABS Causes of Death Data 2021

25-Oct-2022

As the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) releases the Causes of Death data for 2021, we reflect on those we have lost and resolve to continue working with the suicide prevention sector and our communities to reduce the suicide rate.

Before we look at the data, On the Line wants to acknowledge that each number in the ABS report represents a person and a life. And for each person, there are families, friends, colleagues, and communities who are impacted and may be in pain and struggling with their loss. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to one of On the Line’s phone helplines – they are free and available 24/7.

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

SuicideLine Victoria: 1300 651 251

MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978

 

ABS Causes of Death – Suicide data

During 2021, there were 3,144 deaths by suicide in Australia (last year, there were 3,139 deaths). The age-standardised suicide rate was 12.0 per 100,000 people and suicide was the 15th leading cause of death.

Sadly, three-quarters of people who died by suicide were male, while the suicide rate for females increased. Below is a breakdown of the data for males and females.

Suicide data for males

• 2,358 males died by suicide.
• Suicide rate decreased by 2% compared to the previous year.
• Suicide was the 10th leading cause of death for males.
• Median age for males was 45 years old.
• Males aged over 85 years had the highest age-specific suicide rate and accounted for 3% of suicides of males.
• Males aged between 50-54 years had the highest age-specific suicide rates of those aged under 80 years and accounted for 9% of suicides of males.

Suicide data for females

• 786 females died by suicide.
• Suicide rate increased by 5% compared to the previous year.
• Suicide was the 24th leading cause of death for females.
• Median age for females was 42 years.
• Females aged 50-54 years had the highest female age-specific suicide rate and accounted for nearly 10% of suicides of females.

 

Risk factors for suicide

The ABS also reports on risk factors, which can provide important insights to help with suicide prevention. However, the ABS notes that the circumstances relating to suicide are complex and can include multiple factors. There is often no single reason that contributes to a person dying by suicide. In addition, a risk factor may not be a direct cause. Keeping this in mind, below is a breakdown of the reported risk factors.

The top five risk factors in 2021 were:

1. Mood disorders (including depression)
2. Suicidal ideation
3. Problems in spousal relationships circumstances
4. Acute alcohol use and intoxication
5. Personal history of self-harm

 

In addition:

• Almost 90% of people who died by suicide had at least one risk factor reported.
• People who died by suicide had an average of three to four risk factors.
• Mental health and behavioural issues were present in almost 63% of deaths of people who died by suicide.
• Suicide ideation was mentioned as a risk factor for at least one fifth of deaths.
• Factors relating to un/employment were more highly ranked as a risk factor for those aged 25-44 years and 45-64 years.
• People aged under 44 years were more likely to have issues with psychoactive substance use (both acute use and intoxication, as well as chronic use) mentioned as a risk factor.
• For those aged 85 years and over, limitation of activities due to illness and disability was the most common risk factor.

Suicide risk factors for males

• Males aged 25-64 were more likely to have issues related to acute and chronic alcohol use than older age groups.
• Issues in spousal relationships was the second most common risk factor for males.
• A history of suicide ideation or self-harm was present as a risk factor across all age groups for males.

Suicide risk factors for females

• Over half of females aged 45-64 years had a mood disorder identified as a risk factor.
• Personal history of self-harm was the most common risk factor for those aged under 25 years.
• There was overall a higher proportion of acute substance abuse issues than chronic abuse issues identified.

 

To review all the data and get an in-depth analysis, please visit the ABS website.

 

Suicide prevention and mental health support services

If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to one of these free helpline services:

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

SuicideLine Victoria: 1300 651 251

MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978

Lifeline: 13 11 14

StandBy Support After Suicide: 1300 727 247

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

Or visit the Head to Health website to find more digital mental health resources.

If it is an emergency, please call 000.

 

References

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2021). Causes of Death, Australia. ABS. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/causes-death/causes-death-australia/2021.