As Australians mark Movember and shine a light on men's mental health, Relationships Australia NSW is calling for greater awareness of the emotional toll of relationship breakdown on men – and the need for better access to support services.
A long-term Australian study of more than 14,000 men found a significant rise in suicidal thoughts following separation. Relationships Australia's own Relationship Indicators 2024 report also shows nearly four in ten Australians have experienced a relationship breakdown, with one in four now reporting loneliness – a figure that continues to rise. The findings add to deeply concerning statistics surrounding men's mental health: three-quarters of people who die by suicide in Australia are men – three times more than women. Men are less likely to seek help for their mental-health challenges and are more likely to report feeling lonely. Recent research from the University of Melbourne found that separated men are nearly five times more likely to take their lives than married men, highlighting how strongly social connection and relationship stability can protect men's mental health.
"Relationship breakdown isn't a private failure – it's a public-health issue," said Elisabeth Shaw, CEO of Relationships Australia NSW.
"When men feel disconnected, their risk of depression and suicidality rises. When they feel supported and valued, everyone benefits – families, workplaces and communities."
For many men, the end of a relationship means much more than losing a partner. It can mean losing their main source of emotional support, their sense of belonging, and the person they confide in most deeply. Many men rely on their partners as the centre of their social and emotional world, so when that relationship ends, they can be left feeling cut off and adrift.
According to Andrew King, Practice Specialist in Groupwork and Community Education at Relationships Australia NSW, men often face this loss in silence:
"Men can feel unsure who they are outside the relationship. They've spent years being the provider or protector, but when it ends, they can lose their sense of purpose. The key is helping them rebuild connection – not just with family, but with themselves," Mr King said.
Almost half of Australians report managing relationship challenges on their own, with men least likely to seek help early. Yet evidence shows that connection is one of the strongest protectors against mental-health decline.
Relationships Australia NSW offers counselling, guided separation support and group programs that help men navigate the emotional impact of separation, rebuild confidence or reconnect with others. The organisation is urging both government and community leaders to invest in more accessible and early-intervention support for men during and after relationship breakdowns.
"Movember has done incredible work to start vital conversations about men's health," Ms Shaw said.
"We now need to build on that momentum – to talk more openly about the emotional fallout of separation and make sure help is available when men need it most."
