Men and the high risk of suicide

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Understanding the Alarming Reality: Suicide Rates in Men

Suicide is a global public health concern that affects millions of individuals and families each year. It is a complex issue with various contributing factors, including mental health struggles, societal pressures, and individual circumstances. One significant aspect that demands attention is the higher incidence of suicide in men. I revisit the blog I did a few years ago, and this blog will explore the reasons behind this troubling statistic and navigate potential pathway for prevention and support.

The loss of Chester Bennington and Avicii few years ago served as a stark reminder of the profound impact suicide can have on individuals and communities, resonating deeply with those who have experienced the devastating loss of a loved one to this tragic circumstance.

I often remembered about my friend, so called - Alex, like Chester Bennington - Alex committed suicide at his home, several years ago. The memory of our last conversation remains vivid; he exuded positivity, his laughter filling the air. The thought that it would be our final encounter never even crossed my mind. Yet, just weeks later, he was gone.​ I was so devastated by the news.  

Despite Alex's efforts to seek professional help for his struggles with depression and addiction, it became painfully clear that it wasn't sufficient. I carry the weight of wishing I could have done more, but when I asked about his wellbeing at the time, he assured me he was 'doing fine and okay'. 

The Harsh Reality 

Statistics consistently reveal a stark gender disparity when it comes to suicide rates. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global suicide rate is approximately 9.0 per 100,000 individuals. However, when we break it down by gender, a startling trend emerges. In nearly every country, men are significantly more likely to die by suicide than women. In the United States, for example, men account for approximately 3.5 times more suicide deaths than women.

These staggering statistics from the Office for National Statistics UK underscore the urgent need for a deeper understanding of the multifaceted factors contributing to suicide, emphasising that it can affect men from all walks of life, dispelling the misconception that it only strikes those who are deemed "unwell" or "weak". ​

Professor Rory O'Connor's research at Glasgow University, published in the British Medical Journal in 2013, unveiled a paradoxical reality: while regions experiencing a surge in unemployment during the 2008 recession saw a corresponding increase in suicides, it also revealed that a significant portion of individuals who took their own lives were employed at the time, highlighting the complexity of this issue.

These poignant examples of high-profile figures like Chester Bennington, Chris Cornell, Robin Williams, and Alexander McQueen serve as a stark reminder that even those who seemingly have it all can wrestle with internal struggles, highlighting the critical need for compassion, empathy, and mental health support, regardless of outward success or accolades.

It's essential that we remember that mental health plays a crucial role in their decisions, and the external trappings of success often fall short in alleviating their internal anguish.

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Understanding the Factors

Some researchers suggested that unraveling the intricate "why" behind suicide involves a complex interplay of various risk factors and adverse life events that can ultimately tip vulnerable individuals towards a breaking point.

Still, the complex nature of suicide remains shrouded in mystery, in part because our reluctance to engage in open, honest conversations about it prevents us from truly understanding the depth of this issue.

1. Socialisation and Expression: Society norms often prescribe that men should be strong, self-reliant, and stoic. This pressure to conform to traditional masculine ideals can lead to reluctance in seeking help for mental health issues. Men may be less inclined to discuss their feelings openly, leading to a sense of isolation. ​
2. Stigma Surrounding Mental Health: Despite progress in recent years, there is still a prevailing stigma around mental health, particularly for men. The perception that seeking help is a sign of weakness can discourage men from seeking professional support when they need it most.
3. Access to Lethal Means: Research suggests that men tend to choose more lethal methods when attempting suicide, such as firearms, dangerous substances. This, combined with a higher rate of completed suicides, underscores the importance of limiting access to lethal means. 
4. Underdiagnosis of Mental Health Disorders: Some mental health conditions may present differently in men, making them less likely to be diagnosed or treated. For instance, depression in men may manifest as anger or irritability rather than the more commonly recognised symptoms like sadness and withdrawal. 
5. Substance Abuse: Substance abuse often coincide with mental health disorders and can aggravate the  feelings of hopelessness and despair. Men may be more likely to turn to substances as a coping mechanism. 
6. Socioeconomic Factors: Economic stressors, unemployment, and financial difficulties can contribute significantly to feelings of despair. Men may face unique pressures related to providing for their families or fulfilling society expectations of success and security. 

Prevention and Support

This distinction also emphasis the critical importance of understanding the gender-specific nuances in suicide, where women may be more inclined to attempt, but men are more likely to choose more lethal methods, highlighting the need for tailored prevention strategies.​ 

Promoting Mental Health Awareness: Increasing public awareness about mental health, especially among men, is crucial. Encouraging open conversations about emotions and mental wellbeing can help reduce stigma and create a more supportive environment. 

Dr. Martin Seager, a Clinical Psychologist specialising in male psychology at Samaritans Central London branch, sheds light on this gender paradox, proposing that women are generally more inclined to seek help and openly express their distress - serves as a plea for assistance and connection. While for men, the intention is often tragically different: a silent, desperate bid for a final solution. 

Breaking Down Gender Stereotypes: Challenging traditional notions of masculinity can create a more inclusive and understanding society. Encouraging vulnerability and emotional expression in men can help them seek help when needed. 

Society attitudes, where women are often met with sympathy while men facing similar struggles may be perceived as weak, create a challenging environment for men to openly address their issues, potentially leaving them with less support and a heightened vulnerability to the risk of suicide. 

The early society messages implanted in young boys - the expectation of toughness and emotional stoicism, perpetuating harmful stereotypes that can hinder their ability to express vulnerability and seek the support they may desperately need. 

Despite some progress in shifting attitudes towards masculinity and male roles; ingrained gender stereotypes persist, reinforcing the notion that men should embody strength and self-sufficiency, often discouraging them from seeking help due to the perception of it being a sign of weakness or vulnerability. 

The society expectation for men to be self-reliant and the primary providers can lead to immense pressure. The loss of employment and financial struggles often experienced by middle-aged men not only brings about stress but also a profound sense of identity crisis, exacerbating feelings of inadequacy and a perceived loss of masculinity.​​

The dissolution of relationships can take a toll on both the emotional and physical wellbeing of men. This often leads to a higher likelihood of being separated from their children. Additionally, middle-aged men tend to have fewer close friendships than other demographic groups, often relying heavily on their partners for emotional support. 

It's important to note that there is no evidence to suggest that depression affects men more severely than women. ​

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Encouraging open conversations about feelings and emotions, coupled with dismantling outdated society's expectations of masculinity, is a crucial step towards reducing the prevalence of male suicide. Additionally, providing resources and support from organizations like the Samaritans can be instrumental in saving lives.

Addressing the higher incidence of suicide in men requires a multifaceted approach. By understanding the unique challenges that men face and working towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society, we can make significant strides in preventing these tragic losses. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and everyone deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

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