- Nearly 4 in 5 Australians (79%) report higher distress than this time last year
- Almost half (45%) of Australians say that cost-of-living and personal debt is a factor that has caused elevated distress compared to this time last year, with inflation rising to 4.6% in March 2026
- 3 in 4 Australians (75%) are taking action to support their wellbeing, with more than 4 in 5 saying it helped in some way
New data from Suicide Prevention Australia’s Community Tracker reveals that elevated distress is impacting the majority of Australians, as persistent economic pressures and social drivers create an unequal burden of struggle across the country.
The report, released one week ahead of the Federal Budget, shows that nearly 4 in 5 Australians (79%) are experiencing higher levels of distress than 12 months ago – a figure that has remained stubbornly unchanged since late 2025. While cost-of-living remains a widespread driver of distress (45%), the data reveals this distress is not experienced evenly with only 37% of the top 20% of earners (those earning above $150,000) report the same, compared to nearly one in two (48%) of those earning less than $150,000 who report feeling distressed due to cost-of-living and personal debt. For many Australians, the distress is severe, with around 2 in 3 (63%) people experiencing financial strain describing it as very or extremely distressing.
Suicide Prevention Australia CEO, Nieves Murray, said the findings serve as a critical reminder that cross-portfolio, whole-of-government action is needed to address the sustained but nuanced distress we are seeing across Australia.
“Distress is becoming concerningly common across Australia, but it must not be accepted as a norm. When 79% of the population is struggling more than they were a year ago, we are not looking at a crisis of individual resilience, but a crisis of national pressure.
“The recent spike in inflation to 4.6% isn’t just a statistic on a spreadsheet; it is a direct driver of suicidal distress. We are seeing a clear divide where only the top 20% of earners are somewhat shielded, while the rest of the country tries to navigate the perfect storm of financial strain and social stressors.
“We know the government understands the scale of impact financial distress can have; the fuel excise reduction in March is a perfect example of this recognition. Economic and social factors overlap and interact, making them a whole-of-government responsibility that we hope to see addressed in the upcoming Federal Budget,” said Ms Murray.
The Community Tracker also highlights a significant spectrum of support being utilised by Australians. While around 3 in 4 (75%) people have taken action to support their own wellbeing such as self-care, or speaking with friends and family, and nearly 1 in 3 (31%) have accessed clinical, digital, phone, or community support, barriers still remain in place for many as financial and social factors such as stigma remain. Among those experiencing very high distress who did not seek help, around 1 in 5 (22%) said they could not afford it, while others reported trying to manage on their own or not believing their distress was serious enough.
“The encouraging news is that when people reach out, it works. Over 4 in 5 who reached out for help said it helped. But we cannot have a system where help is a luxury. We need a Budget that funds the National Suicide Prevention Strategy in full, ensuring that support is accessible, affordable, and meets people where they are at – whether that is in a clinic, over the phone, or within their own community,” said Ms Murray.
Suicide prevention and postvention advocate, and member of Suicide Prevention Australia’s Lived Experience Panel, Hope Carberry, said “financial distress often carries a heavy sense of shame and responsibility, particularly for those who feel driven to protect and provide for their families. When job loss, debt, and cost-of-living pressures intersect with identity and self-worth, suicidal distress can deepen. Preventing suicide means responding with compassion across systems, and recognising how these pressures combine in real people’s lives.”
Ms Murray said the upcoming Federal Budget is a pivotal moment for the Government to move from roadmap to reality. In our Pre-Budget Submission, we are calling for foundational steps including transparent, suicide-specific funding lines and long-term, five-year contracts to stabilise the sector.
“A strategy without funding is just words on a page. We are calling for whole-of-government action that addresses the social and financial drivers of distress. This means targeted funding for suicide prevention services that are currently under immense pressure, and a commitment to the National Suicide Prevention Strategy that leaves no Australian behind, regardless of their postcode or paycheque.
“The data is clear: Australians are doing their part by seeking help and trying to support one another. Now, it’s time for the Government to do its part. This is more than funding, this is about saving the lives of the 9 Australians who die by suicide every day, and the 150 who attempt. The time for action is now,” said Ms Murray.
If you or someone you know requires support, please reach out. Help is available and it can make a difference. Phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.
About the survey:
The Suicide Prevention Australia Community Tracker is undertaken in partnership with YouGov Australia. The total sample size was 1,403 adults. The survey was conducted online between 18 March – 31 March 2026. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+). Respondents that participated in the survey in September 2025 were excluded from this sample.
ENDS
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.
Help to report about suicide safely is available online:
Go to: https://mindframe.org.au/
Media enquiries:
Alexandra Pursehouse, Acting Director, Advocacy: 0423 196 136 or alexp@suicidepreventionaust.org
About Suicide Prevention Australia:
Suicide Prevention Australia is the national peak body and we’ve been providing support for Australia’s suicide prevention sector for more than 30 years. We support and advocate for our members to drive continual improvement in suicide prevention policy, programs and services. Our reach is broad, including member organisations, governments, businesses, researchers, practitioners and those with lived experience of suicide.
