On World Suicide Prevention Day, Western Sydney clinicians are being urged to provide extra support to women following a rise in suicide-related behaviours among women in the region. [i]
The Western Sydney Primary Health Network is calling on health professionals to check in with women on their mental health during regular check-ups.
Between 2018 and 2022, the rate of non-fatal suicide attempts by women increased to nearly double that of men, while self-harm hospitalisations among women rose to two and a half times the male rate.
While the region’s overall suicide rate remains below the state average, attempts and self-harm hospitalisations among women have increased.
Women's Mental Health Statistics
- Women accessed in-person mental health services at twice the rate of men, and digital services at 1.5 times the male rate.
- Psychological distress among women rose from 18.6% in 2021 to 20.5% in 2023, compared to 15.4% among men.
- Young people aged 16–24 years had the highest rate of mental health service use, with 193.2 consultations per 1,000 people.
Suicide Prevention Services in Western Sydney
WSPHN commissions the following suicide prevention and aftercare services for people in Western Sydney.
- Primary Mental Health Care Service – Offers psychological services for vulnerable groups. Clients are eligible for up to 9 sessions under a general psychology referral. People who have been assessed at risk of suicide can access up to 12 sessions across a twelve-month period.
- Safe Space – timely and responsive support from trained, non-clinical health professionals. Offers a community-centred approach to suicide prevention and offers an alternative to emergency department presentation for people experiencing psychological distress and suicidality. Read more
- The Way Back Support Service – Offers aftercare services for people who have attempted suicide or experienced a suicidal crisis. Call 8416 1100 or Read more
- CALD Suicide Prevention Program – Delivers psycho-education and lifestyle group interventions to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups. Read more
[i] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024 & HealthStats NSW, 2024
Information is correct as of 10 September 2025.