The Surprising Truth About Male Suicide

I'm writing as a clinician who works with suicidal clients, and as a researcher who wants to not only understand but also prevent and effectively treat suicidality. Yet, I am primarily writing as a person who has been deeply affected by the men in my life who have died by suicide. These men had a powerful impact on my life. Their deaths have left lasting wounds. I do not write about this topic lightly or from a place of mere academic curiosity. I want to understand the problem and change it. I'm motivated to find a solution, and that motivation has increased in the last few years in light of the facts regarding male suicide. Let me share some facts about male suicide that may increase your motivation as well:

• About 78% of those who die by suicide in the United States are men. See here
• Men are more likely to use illicit substances. See here
• The use of illicit drugs is more likely to result in emergency service visits and death by overdose for men. See here
• Men and boys comprise 61% (or 352,211) of the homeless population in the United States. See here
• As of 2021, 27.2% of females compared to 18.1% of males received mental health services for any mental illness. See here
• According to the National Center for Health Statistics, women were more likely to have received counseling or therapy from a mental health professional (12.1% and 7.9%) in the past 12 months. See here

That's a lot of information to absorb all at once. The bullet-pointed facts listed above reveal a concerning pattern of health and socio-economic challenges disproportionately affecting men in the United States. There have been some articles in the research literature about why men avoid seeking help and how traditional masculinity may play a role in that avoidance. The convergence of these factors underscores the urgent need for gender-specific interventions that reduce stigma, promote healthy coping strategies, and provide accessible support, thereby addressing the complex issues contributing to poor health outcomes among men and boys. But developing gender-specific interventions may be the endpoint, we need to focus on the starting point right now, which is to recognize the problem. But some promising shifts are beginning to occur.

What Can We Do to Prevent Male Suicide?

In terms of prevention, various protective factors play a crucial role in safeguarding against male suicide. Employment, beyond providing financial stability, fosters a sense of purpose and routine, which can serve as a protective barrier. Similarly, marriage or committed partnerships offer emotional support and strengthen social bonds, mitigating the risk of suicide. A robust social support network, coupled with personal resilience, equips men with essential tools to navigate life's challenges. Effective coping skills, such as problem-solving and seeking emotional support, further enhance mental well-being. Seidler and colleagues (2023) provide an extensive review of these protective factors, emphasizing their collective contribution to reducing suicide risk among men.

Recent Research Challenges Long-Standing Perspectives on Male Suicide

Recent research by Fowler and colleagues (2022) challenges common assumptions by revealing that over 60% of men who died by suicide had no history of mental illness. This finding suggests that situational stressors, rather than mental health disorders, may be more influential in these cases. Fowler and colleagues identify four specific risk factors that exacerbate men's vulnerability: situational stressors, inadequate coping skills, easy access to firearms, and impulsivity. These insights underscore the urgency for targeted interventions and preventive strategies.

Telemental Health Counseling: A Potential Intervention

Telehealth has the potential to significantly reduce male suicide rates by addressing the situational stressors and immediate crises that men often face, as highlighted by Fowler's research. Given that many male suicides are not directly linked to chronic mental illness but rather to acute, distressing life events, telehealth can offer timely and accessible support during critical moments. This modality provides an anonymous and stigma-free way for men to seek help, which is crucial given societal norms that often discourage men from discussing their vulnerabilities. Telehealth services, including crisis hotlines, video counseling, and digital mental health platforms, enable rapid intervention, offering immediate coping strategies and emotional support. This accessibility is particularly beneficial in situations where men may be reluctant to engage with traditional mental health services or face barriers such as geographic isolation or busy schedules. By expanding access to care and providing immediate support during crises, telehealth can play a pivotal role in preventing suicides that arise from acute situational stressors.

Raising Awareness

Addressing the high rates of suicide among men requires a multifaceted approach. Raising awareness about mental health and reducing stigma encourages men to seek timely help. Enhancing access to mental health resources ensures that support is readily available. Strengthening social connections and addressing substance abuse can reduce isolation and associated risks. Additionally, providing support for relationship challenges can help men navigate stressors that may lead to suicidal ideation.

Conclusion

The issue of men's suicide rates presents a critical public health challenge that demands urgent attention and coordinated action. By understanding the protective and risk factors involved and implementing comprehensive strategies, we can reduce the incidence of suicide among men. Encouraging men to seek help, promoting mental health awareness, and fostering supportive environments are vital steps in this endeavor. Through collective efforts, we can strive toward a future where suicide is no longer a leading cause of death among men.

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, seeking help is essential. Please reach out to mental health professionals, counselors, therapists, or crisis hotlines. Your well-being matters and support is available to guide you through difficult times. 988 is the designated three-digit dialing code in the United States for the suicide and crisis lifeline, a national network of local crisis centers providing free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.