Men who experienced an intimate partner relationship breakup or separation had significantly higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts than men who had not, even years later, according to new research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS).

Drawing on data from Ten to Men the world’s largest longitudinal study on male health, the report explores the experiences of more than 20,000 men aged 18-67.

In 2024, almost 31% of men who had experienced a relationship breakdown in the previous year reported suicidal thoughts, compared with 14% of men who had not. Men who had recently separated were also around 7 times more likely to report a suicide attempt (7% compared with 1%).

Men who experienced relationship breakdown were up to 3.7 times more likely to attempt suicide 1-2 years later, and still around 2.8 times more likely 3-4 years on, even after accounting for prior risk factors.

The research also shows this heightened risk is seen broadly across different groups of men, supporting a population wide response.

Dr Sean Martin, Longitudinal Head of Ten to Men at AIFS, said the findings highlight relationship breakdown as a major life transition associated with elevated suicide risk for men.

“Separation can bring a cluster of changes all at once – disruption in contact with children, changes in housing or finances, and a shrinking support network,” Dr Martin said.

“These pressures often don’t occur in isolation, and the emotional impact can build rapidly, particularly in the months immediately following a breakup.”

The analysis found that recent suicidal thoughts in men were most strongly linked to relationship breakdown occurring in the same year, while the risk of suicide attempts tended to emerge later, beyond the initial separation period.

“What stands out is that suicidal distress and suicide attempts don’t follow the same timeline,” Dr Martin said.

“Some men appear to experience distress soon after separation, while others may cope initially but continue to struggle over time – perhaps as the practical and emotional consequences of separation accumulate.”

“Our data highlights the importance of ongoing follow-up – not just in the weeks after separation, but in the years that follow.”

Importantly, the association between relationship breakdown and suicide risk remained even after accounting for age, income, employment, social support and prior suicidal thoughts.