REGIONAL Australians impacted by suicide are more likely to experience multiple losses of family, friends and community members (67 per cent) compared to their city counterparts (60 per cent) – new research has revealed for the first time.

It comes as the findings also show growing concerns the economy, jobs (+7 per cent), cost of living (+4 per cent) and drugs and alcohol use (+5 per cent) will increase suicide rates in the regions in the wake of COVID19.