Statistics and Support Services
Suicide rates remain a concern in the Australian community and a priority for the Australian Government. Historically, ex-serving ADF members have faced an increased risk of suicide.
To increase understanding on the complex issues of suicide in serving and ex-serving ADF members, the AIHW provides annual updates to monitor the incidence of suicide in permanent, reserve and ex-serving ADF members. This work has been commissioned by the Department of Veteran's Affairs.
Data in this section is drawn from the Serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members who have served since 1985: suicide monitoring 1997 to 2022.
For both ex-serving and Australian males under 30, suicide was the leading cause of death accounting for 42% and 29% of deaths respectively. This was similar for ex-serving and Australian females under 30 where suicide accounted for 44% and 22% of deaths respectively.
Ex-serving males under 50 were more likely to die by suicide than those aged 50 years and over (36.7 and 20.3 per 1000,000 population per year respectively).
The suicide rate was 22.0 per 1000,000 population per year for males who separated voluntarily, which is similar to the Australian male population. However, the rate of suicide for males who separated for involuntary medical reasons was almost 3 times as high at 62.7.
The suicide rate of ex-serving males who had served for 20 or more years was 15.5 suicides per 100,000 population per year. This was lower compared to those who had served for <1 year, 1 to <5 years, 5 to <10 years or 10 to <20 years.
The suicide rate of ex-serving males who separated as officers was about half the rate of those who separated at other ranks (17.1 and 32.9 per 100,000 population per year respectively).
Ex-serving males who served at least one day in the permanent forces had higher rates of suicide compared to those who served solely in the reserve forces (34.6 and 25.4 per 100,000 population per year respectively).
Gallipoli Gamers Inc is dedicated to reducing suicide rates by creating a welcoming space for serving and ex-serving veterans. We invite all veterans who share a passion for tabletop wargaming, board games, TCGs, and other to join our community. By engaging with like-minded individuals, we aim to alleviate social anxiety, loneliness, and mental health challenges that can contribute to higher suicide rates among veterans. Together, we can foster connections and support one another in a meaningful way.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing crisis visit your nearest hospital or emergency or use any of the crisis helplines listed below or in the Help and Support tab.
If life is in immediate danger, please call 000.
Call 13 11 14
Text (SMS): 0477 13 11 14
Available 24 hours, 7 days a week
Provides all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24/7 confidential crisis support and suicide prevention services. Trained volunteers are ready to listen, provide support and referrals.
Call 1800 628 036
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The ASL is a confidential telephone service for Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families. The ASL is there to help access ADF or civilian mental health services, psychology, medical, social work, and chaplain services.
Call 1300 659 467
Online counselling or video chat
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Counselling support for anyone affected by suicide, including people at risk, carers and those bereaved by suicide. All staff are qualified professional counsellors, social workers or psychologists and are available 24/7.
Call 1800 250 015
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline for free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs.
Call 1800 011 046
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days as week.
Open Arms - Veteran & Families Counselling is Australia's leading provider of mental health assessment and counselling for Australian veterans and their families.
Call 1300 22 4636
All available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Beyond Blue provides information and support to help all Australians achieve their best possible mental health.
All calls and chats are one-on-one with a trained mental health professional, and completely confidential.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing crisis visit your nearest hospital or emergency or use any of the crisis helplines listed below.
If life is in immediate danger, please call 000.