Men are often perceived as the emotionally stronger gender. Yet there are some sad and surprising truths that may shake that assumption. More importantly, these truths can set you free because they can teach us how to prevent suicide among men.
1. Men Are More Likely to Die by Suicide Than Women
Although women attempt suicide more often than men in many populations, over 75% of suicide deaths worldwide occur in men.
One reason is that men are more likely to use highly lethal methods, such as firearms, hanging, or jumping from heights. As a result, there is often little time for medical intervention once the attempt is discovered.
2. Many Men Suffer in Silence
Societal expectations often discourage men from sharing their struggles with friends, family, or even health professionals. Research suggests that this pattern begins in boyhood, when many boys are taught to suppress vulnerability and “be strong.”
The alternative is not to become a baby. It is to share your struggles with trusted friends, family members, or, if you have no one else, a health professional. Asking for help is not weakness; it may save your life.
3. Depression in Men Often Goes Unrecognized
Depression is one of the strongest risk factors for suicide. Yet it does not always look the way people expect.
While sadness is a common feature of depression, men may instead describe themselves as “burnt out” or “stressed.” Others become unusually irritable, withdraw from family and friends, misuse alcohol or drugs, or lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.
Recognizing these signs early can make all the difference.
4. Suicide Often Follows a Life Crisis
Catastrophic life crises are risk factors for suicide. Here, the risk for suicide is highest in the period just immediately after the suicide. We’re talking hours, days and weeks. The pain from these events can be so overwhelming that the sufferer may resolve on suicide as an impulse decision and, if the means are available, follow through with that resolve. See the list of some of these crises below. Note that relationship problems like divorce, break ups and separation top the list:
- relationship breakdown
- bereavement
- job lay-offs
- following discharge from a mental health institution
- underemployment
- inability to provide
- debt
- business failure
- infertility
- chronic illness
5. Most Suicides Are Preventable
Most men in crisis will not commit suicide, nor even most people with a mental illness. Suicide is preventable.
How can you help your bros?
Rather than forcing an intense emotional conversation, invite him into shared activities: watch football together, go to the gym, take a walk, attend a place of worship, work on a project together, or simply sit and talk over a meal. Men often find it easier to open up side by side than face to face.
Be sensitive to changes in personality like losing interest in what he previously enjoyed, social withdrawal, use of alcohol or drugs.
During an acute crisis, stay close, remove obvious means of self-harm if it is safe to do so, and encourage him to seek professional help. If you’re getting nowhere, contact a mental health professional or emergency services.
