On April 2, 2025, Matt Worrall, a 36-year-old relief locator from Melbourne, ended his pain by taking his life. This tragic case lays bare the mental health epidemic that has only deepened under the weight of economic distress. At his memorial, his partner Rachel Keily shared that he struggled silently under the weight of financial stress. This challenge is a growing reality for many Australians.
According to the latest available data—as of September 2024—the average mortgage on owner-occupier dwellings sits at $400,873. For existing homeowners, their monthly mortgage payment is about $3,863. With rental prices soaring, this problem is only exacerbated. Today, that median national rate has surpassed $374.58 per week. Shockingly, 42 percent of Australians are now living pay packet to pay packet, meaning more and more families and individuals are struggling from payday to payday.
Rachel Keily enjoys the new lifestyle that comes with an admin-oriented, four-day-a-week schedule. Sadly, her paycheck won’t stretch that far to pay their $2684 a month mortgage on their home an hour north of Melbourne. Even though she tried her best to provide a stable home-life, the economic pressure proved too heavy for Worrall.
Leading up to his untimely death, Worrall did not exhibit many outward signs that he was struggling. Keily recounted that he continued his daily routines, including going to work and the gym, and maintained normal eating and sleeping patterns.
“When he had been unwell in the past, there had been signs, but coming up to this it didn’t mimic that, it didn’t look like that,” – Rachel Keily
Keily characterized these warning signs to Worrall as signs of high financial stress rather than clear indications that Worrall had a serious mental health problem. He had repeatedly convinced her that he was doing okay even as the cost of living soared.
“He seemed, if anything, a bit stressed about finances because of the cost of living, but he told me he was fine, he was still going to work, doing everything as normal,” – Rachel Keily
On the day before his death, the couple had discussed plans for an Easter camping trip with their young son, Henry. The unexpected death has left Keily reeling with immense sorrow and confusion about what their life—and future—now looks like.
“Losing him has turned our lives upside down. I don’t understand, I don’t know what our future looks like anymore; every dream we had as a family has disappeared,” – Rachel Keily
In the wake of this tragedy, Keily expressed her hope that Worrall’s death would raise awareness around suicide prevention and mental health support. She expressed her sadness that he didn’t feel like he could reach out about his difficulties.
“I hope Matt’s death can help raise awareness about suicide prevention; I just wish we could have helped, that he spoke up,” – Rachel Keily
The financial strain has been more and more devastating for Keily. She described her experience of not being able to maintain their mortgage alone and the emotional impact that’s having on her.
“I can’t own this house anymore; I cannot afford the mortgage on my own at all, so it’s a huge financial strain,” – Rachel Keily
No doubt, the loss of a father at such an early stage has cut an indelible scar on Henry’s life. Keily spoke about the unimaginable consequences this tragedy would cause her son.
“Henry has lost his dad at such a young age; it’s unimaginable,” – Rachel Keily
And while the community mourns these deaths, what happened to Worrall should raise urgent questions facing families everywhere. The intersection of mental health and financial stress is a critical issue that warrants immediate attention and action.
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