Continued high rates of youth suicide reinforces the urgent need for investment into mental health support services for young people, says Youth Focus CEO, Derry Simpson.
Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that 50 young people, aged between 15 and 24, died from intentional self-harm in Western Australia in 2023. Suicide remains the leading cause of death for young people in Western Australia, representing 36.5% of total deaths for this age group. The figure is an increase from 2022, when 39 young people died by suicide.
What the report doesn’t show is the ripple effect of the human impact. Each death by suicide affects approximately 135 people, from family members, colleagues, and the wider community.1 And research shows that for every death of a young person by suicide, there are over 100 suicide attempts.4,5
The new data is a tragic reflection of the increasing prevalence of mental health challenges experienced by young people, with mental illness representing the largest and most rapidly growing cause of disability and lost human potential across a person’s lifespan.2
“Each death by suicide leaves behind a devastated family and community,” says Derry. “It is simply unacceptable that suicide remains the leading cause of death for our young people, and it’s time to make changes to our mental health system to prevent young people from reaching the point of crisis and suicidal distress.”
“We need to see increased focus and investment in early intervention services. The earlier a young person is able to access support for their mental health, the more likely they are to experience better outcomes across a range of factors, including employment, reduced distress, and social connections.”
“Youth is an absolutely pivotal time in a person’s development. If a young person isn’t able to access the support services they need early in their journey, the impact of untreated mental ill-health – such as not being able to complete schooling, or enter the workforce – could lead to poor outcomes throughout the course of their life.”
“We need to increase the availability of services to meet the growing demand. We know that rates of mental ill-health in young people have increased by nearly 50% since 2007, and this is putting incredible pressure on the system.”
“Investing in support services that are available to young people as early as possible – at no cost, without having to wait – is crucial, not just to prevent youth suicide, but to reduce the distress, suffering and long-term harm that arises from mental ill-health going untreated.”
“30 years of providing youth mental health support has shown us that effective early intervention relies on young people and families being able to reach out, and be connected to the right support by a network of collaborative service providers who work closely to put young people at the centre of their care.”
Suicide is complex, and there are many risk factors that contribute to a young person dying by suicide. The ABS report shows that in 2023, the five most common risk factors for young people aged 5-24 who died by suicide are suicidal ideation, mood disorders, depression, self-harm and problems in a partner relationship. People who died by suicide had an average of 4 risk factors mentioned.
This aligns to what Youth Focus is seeing as primary presenting issues, with young people presenting with increasing complexity and risk.
Youth Focus provides a range of mental health services across Western Australia, all tailored to the needs of young people, because early intervention is key to ensuring that young people are able to navigate mental health challenges, and ultimately to prevent death by suicide.
If you or someone you know needs urgent support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
References:
- Cerel J, Brown MM, Maple M, Singleton M, van de Venne J, Moore M, Flaherty C (2019). How Many People Are Exposed to Suicide? Not Six. Suicide Life Threat Behav. Apr;49(2):529-534. doi: 10.1111/sltb.12450. Epub 2018 PMID: 29512876.
- McGorry, P. D. et al. (2024). The Lancet Psychiatry Commission on youth mental health. The Lancet Psychiatry Commission on youth mental health, 11, 731-774.
- National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-2022 | Australian Bureau of Statistics (abs.gov.au)
- Beyond Blue. (2020). Suicide, available online: https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/age-13/mental-health-conditions-in-young-people/suicide
- Goldsmith SK, Pellmar TC, Kleinman AM, Bunney WE, editors. (2002). Reducing suicide: a national imperative. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.