Natural disasters and suicidality in Australia: a systematic review.
Mike Trott, C Lockett, U Arnautovska et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review synthesised 12 Australian observational studies of droughts, floods, bushfires, heatwaves, or storms and suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, self-harm, or suicide mortality. Evidence for an association with suicide mortality was mixed, particularly in short-term post-disaster analyses. Individual-level studies more consistently found increased odds of suicidal ideation and self-harm after disaster exposure. Associations were strongest for prolonged drought, heat exposure, displacement, and cumulative or repeated exposure; several studies reported dose-response patterns.
Key findings
- Across 12 studies, evidence linking natural disasters with suicide mortality was mixed and inconsistent, particularly in short-term post-disaster analyses.
- Individual-level studies more consistently reported increased odds of suicidal ideation and self-harm following disaster exposure.
- Associations were strongest for prolonged drought, heat exposure, displacement, and cumulative or repeated disaster exposure; several studies showed dose-response patterns.
- Most studies had moderate risk of bias, commonly related to exposure misclassification and limited control of confounding.
Why it matters
The review suggests that disaster-related suicide risk may be more apparent in non-fatal behaviours than in mortality statistics. Monitoring suicidal ideation and self-harm can therefore complement mortality surveillance when assessing mental health needs after disasters, including beyond the immediate recovery period. The inconsistent mortality evidence and observational nature of the studies warrant cautious interpretation.
What to keep in mind
Most included studies had moderate risk of bias, commonly due to exposure misclassification and limited control of confounding variables.