Suicide is claiming the lives of more Australian men aged 25 to 44 than any other cause, and is the third deadliest threat for those aged 45 to 54, according to a new global survey led by the University of New South Wales.
The Cost of Isolation
Men who described themselves as socially connected reported stronger health and wellbeing.In contrast, those who felt isolated were more likely to suffer higher psychological distress, greater self-stigma, and significantly lower personal wellbeing.
This included poorer perceptions of their health, relationships, standard of living, and future security.
These men also showed markedly lower confidence in seeking help for physical or mental health issues and substance use.
Silence, Stigma, and Stereotypes
On April 8, mental health portal Life in Mind hosted a national workshop to explore barriers to male suicide prevention.
Experts warned that deeply embedded social stigma and narrow definitions of masculinity continue to block men from engaging in conversations about their mental health.
“Men are judged for expressing vulnerability,” said Jonathan Bedloe, Independent Trainer, Facilitator, and Project Manager.
“Even support services sometimes reinforce harmful stereotypes by assuming how ‘real men’ should cope.” As a result, countless men suffer quietly, fearful of judgement, ridicule, or dismissal.
Participants called for a fresh approach—one that ditches stereotypes and leans into the community. Examples such as Men’s Sheds, The Men’s Table, and Man Walks were cited as effective, grassroots spaces where men can speak freely and build connections.
A Global Emergency
Australia is not alone. Suicide statistics paint a stark global picture. In the United States, men account for nearly 80 percent of suicides—about 100 male deaths every day. In Canada, eight men die by suicide daily, while in England and Wales, men take their own lives at three times the rate of women.Mental Health Becomes Political Flashpoint
As the federal election looms, mental health has become a key battleground where the major parties differ in both scale and strategy.
Labor has pledged a $1 billion package to expand access to free, Medicare-backed mental health care. This includes $225 million for 31 new or upgraded Medicare Mental Health Centres, designed as walk-in hubs to lower barriers for those in crisis.
More than $200 million will fund 58 new or enhanced Headspace clinics focused on early intervention for young people, especially in regional and outer-metro areas.
Another $500 million will go toward 20 Youth Specialist Care Centres to support young Australians with severe, complex mental health needs.
Labor’s plan also allocates $90 million to train over 1,200 new mental health professionals and peer workers.
The Coalition, meanwhile, has promised $400 million specifically for youth mental health. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has called it a direct response to a crisis that he says Labor has failed to address.
A Dutton government would establish a National Institute for Youth Mental Health to lead policy, research, and service delivery.
It would expand early psychosis services from 8 to 20 regions and broaden support to cover complex conditions like eating disorders, personality disorders, and substance misuse.
Changing the Narrative
Mental health advocates say that while funding is crucial, the cultural shift is just as vital.The message is clear: tackling male suicide is not just about services or slogans, but about shifting the social narrative away from shame, silence, and stoicism, toward connection, compassion, and courage.
