Background: Extensive research has established that there are a wide range of factors, outside of mental illness, which play a role in suicide. However, there is a lack of work on a comprehensive list of the socio-economic and environmental determinants of suicide to guide and inform policy.
Objective: The objective of the project was to address this research gap and establish a comprehensive list of socio-economic and environmental determinants of suicide structured in alignment with the Australian service system. Another key objective of the project was to develop overarching recommendations for government action and for each socio-economic and environmental determinant to help prevent suicide.
Methods: A rapid review of both academic and grey literature was undertaken and interviews and focus groups were held with 218 representatives from organisations, and those with lived experience, across the suicide prevention and other related sectors. These data sources were used to identify lists of socio-economic and environmental determinants of suicide, the evidence linking each determinant to suicide, and to establish key recommendations for government action to help prevent suicide.
Results: A comprehensive list of 22 socio-economic and environmental determinants of suicide was developed, including factors such as isolation, financial distress, and the impacts of the changing climate. A number of key recommendations for government action for each determinant were identified. And overarching recommendations that apply across all determinants were devised.
Conclusion: Suicide is an issue across a broad range of sectors and action outside the suicide prevention and mental health system is needed to save lives. Addressing the socio-economic and environmental determinants of suicide is critical in efforts to help people before they reach a point of suicidal crisis. The results of this project emphasise the need and provide guidance for a whole-of-community and whole-of-government approach, where suicide prevention becomes everyone’s business.