Suicide Among Men: Identified Risks, Recognizable Signs, and Actions to Provide Assistance
In a sobering statistic, more than 48,000 people in the United States lost their lives to suicide in 2018, with men accounting for a disproportionate number of these tragic deaths. According to recent data, men were 3.56 times more likely to die by suicide than women that year.
Suicide is a complex issue with multiple causes and triggers, including depression, feelings of being overwhelmed by life circumstances, and various risk factors. For men, these risk factors often stem from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.
High testosterone levels in male adolescents have been linked to an elevated risk of suicide. This could be due to testosterone's role in emotional regulation difficulties, leading to disruptive behaviours, aggression, and depression. Genetic factors related to androgen activity may also play a part in suicidal behaviour among males.
Psychological factors such as untreated mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders significantly increase suicide risk. Men often struggle with emotional expression and may turn to risky behaviours or escapism through work or sports, which can mask underlying issues.
Social and environmental factors also contribute to suicide risk. Loss and loneliness, particularly in older men, such as after retirement or bereavement, create feelings of hopelessness and a loss of purpose. Veterans, for example, have a suicide rate 1.5 times higher than the general population, reflecting unique stressors like trauma and social isolation. Cultural pressures, financial stress, chronic illnesses, and physical pain are other contributing factors.
Recognizing these risk factors and warning signs is crucial in suicide prevention. Warning signs to watch for in men include expressions of hopelessness or talking about wanting to die, withdrawal from social connections and activities, increased risky or self-destructive behaviours, changes in sleep patterns, stockpiling medication, and noticeable mood swings, irritability, or aggression.
For older men, signs of depression may be subtle or misinterpreted as normal aging, such as confusion or loss of interest in usual activities. Careful attention is needed to identify these signs.
Early recognition of these risk factors and warning signs, alongside compassionate conversations and connecting individuals to mental health support, are vital in suicide prevention. Professionals are available 24/7 through the 988 Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and local emergency services. Alternatively, individuals can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
Caring counselors are ready to listen and provide free and confidential support. It's important to remember that suicide is preventable with treatment and lifestyle changes. Practicing good self-care, which involves eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and spending time engaging in enjoyable activities, is important for caregivers.
Supporting someone at risk of suicide can be draining, and it's important for caregivers to look after themselves too. They should seek support from loved ones, support organizations, and mental health professionals.
For those with suicidal thoughts who are not at immediate risk, it can be beneficial to talk to a trusted friend or family member, doctor, mental health professional, minister, or other spiritual leader. Taking things one step at a time, with support and treatment, the feelings of suicidal thoughts can pass.
Sources: [1] Kessler, R. C., Borges, G., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Age-period-cohort patterns of suicide in the United States, 1986-2002. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(9), 1064-1073. [2] National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Suicide prevention: Know the warning signs. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml [3] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Suicide Prevention: Know the Facts. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/suicide-prevention/know-facts [4] American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2020). Suicide Risk Factors and Warning Signs. Retrieved from https://afsp.org/risk-factors-and-warning-signs/
Suicide is a complex matter, involving depression, feelings of being overwhelmed, and various risk factors. These risk factors can stem from biological, psychological, and social factors in men. High testosterone levels in male adolescents have been linked to an elevated risk of suicide due to emotional regulation difficulties.
Untreated mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders significantly increase the suicide risk. Social and environmental factors, such as loss and loneliness, particularly in older men, also contribute to the suicide risk.
Recognizing these risk factors and warning signs is crucial in suicide prevention. For example, expressions of hopelessness or talking about wanting to die, withdrawal from social connections, increased risky or self-destructive behaviors, and changes in sleep patterns can be warning signs.
Caring counselors are available 24/7 through the 988 Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and local emergency services. For those with suicidal thoughts who are not at immediate risk, talking to a trusted friend, family member, doctor, mental health professional, minister, or other spiritual leader can be beneficial. Taking things one step at a time, with support and treatment, the feelings of suicidal thoughts can pass.
