Soaring cost-of-living driving SA suicide concern
Almost one quarter of South Australians sought advice from a suicide prevention service in the last 12 months, with rising cost-of-living pressures ranked as the top risk to suicide rates increasing over the next year, the country’s peak body says.
Photo: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire
Results from Suicide Prevention Australia’s “Community Tracker” March quarterly survey show more than half of South Australians – 58 per cent – reported experiencing elevated distress from rising cost-of-living pressures.
South Australia experienced the biggest increase in people reporting elevated distress compared to all other states, with the rate up by 31 per cent on the December quarter.
Those in South Australia who were surveyed by Suicide Prevention Australia stated the top risks to suicide rates increasing in the next 12 months were cost-of-living and personal debt, social isolation and loneliness, unemployment and job security, and alcohol and other drugs.
Almost a quarter of South Australians – 24 per cent – sought advice from a suicide prevention service in the last 12 months.
The “Community Tracker” survey is undertaken by Suicide Prevention Australia in partnership with YouGov plc.
The March quarter survey was completed online between February 20-22, with a sample size of 1024 adults.
Suicide Prevention Australia acting CEO Matthew McLean said the results made it clear that there was distress in the community.
He said he was “deeply concerned” about the impact of rising cost-of-living pressures.
“Every time I see these figures, it reminds me that each one represents a life and a cascade of grief amongst family and friends,” he said.
“Our findings once again prove the clear link between the impact of rising economic and social pressures and distress levels in the community.
“Upcoming budgets at the state, territory and national level require further investment in mental health and suicide prevention.”
Nationally, almost three-quarters of Australians reported experiencing elevated distress in February this year, with rising cost-of-living pressures cited as the number one reason.
The increased distress levels were primarily driven by Australians aged 18-24 and 50-64.
“We need whole-of-government focus to drive down suicide rates,” McLean said.
“Suicide Prevention Acts can achieve this – we’ve seen one implemented in South Australia and the newly-elected NSW Labor Government has committed to an Act.”
To get help 24/7, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, phone 000 for emergency services.
