The Research That Could Save a Father, a Son, a Friend
Some struggles are invisible
They aren’t always talked about and sometimes they don’t show up until it’s too late.
Across Australia, many men are carrying overwhelming pressures: losing a job, losing a partner, reduced access to children, financial stress, or deep isolation. These experiences can create a profound loss of identity something research increasingly links to rising suicide risk. Too often, men suffer in silence.
In Australia, nine lives are lost to suicide every day… seven are men.
That is why research matters. Research helps us recognise the warning signs. Research helps us intervene earlier. Research saves lives.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, there is hope
In 2025, Breakthrough appointed Dr Ian Zajac as our first Research Fellow in Men’s Suicide Prevention at Flinders University.
Dr Ian, a clinical psychologist who works almost exclusively with men, is seeing three key pressures driving vulnerability:
Relationship breakdown | Loss of purpose | Employment and financial stress
When these pressures combine, risk increases. Many men withdraw. Some mask distress with anger. Many never ask for help.
That is why early intervention is critical.
The next 12 months: Turning research into action
Over the coming year, Dr Zajac’s research will focus on developing practical early intervention programs for men navigating separation, one of the most common triggers for crisis.
His work will also turn research into tools that frontline services can use immediately, improving pathways so men can access support earlier, before distress escalates.
This work will also help lay the foundations for a future Centre of Excellence in Men’s Mental Health.
The ripple effect of this research is powerful
When you help one man regain hope, you help protect his children.
You strengthen families.
You support workplaces.
You build healthier communities.
Sam Mumford; farmer, mental health advocate & Breakthrough Ambassador who survived the 2019 Kangaroo Island bushfires, shares these powerful words:
“The fact that I’m still here is a testament to the work of Breakthrough. Their mental health training gave me the tools to survive the darkest days after the KI bushfires. It taught me the power of a simple conversation — with a neighbour, a friend, a mate.”
Before 30 June, you can make a difference
Your tax-deductible donation to Breakthrough will help:
- Sustain the Breakthrough Research Fellowship
- Expand Dr Ian Zajac’s suicide prevention research
- Strengthen early intervention programs
- Grow a high-impact mental health research team
This tax time, your donation is more than a deduction, it’s a commitment to prevention, evidence, and supporting men and families before it’s too late.
Please donate before 30 June and help turn research into real-world change.
This fellowship exists because of supporters like you — and because of you, lives can change.
Frequently asked questions
Your donation will fund evidence-based research to better understand what causes mental illness, how to reduce its impact, and ultimately prevent mental illness. Thank you for your support.
All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
Individuals like yourself contribute in creating a meaningful positive impact on lives who suffer from mental illness. Our dedicated supporters can donate either weekly, monthly or annually. This can be automatically processed through credit card transactions or direct debit, This ensures with regular support we can create a life free from mental illness.
See our latest impact report and how your generous donations have helped make advances in mental health research.
You can contact us here or by contacting our email info@breakthroughfoundation.org.au.
