Generalizing across all cases of suicide is not always helpful, but there are many possibilities that might explain why men are struggling.
Roles in society
For generations, societal roles have pressured men to "man up". They're encouraged to be tough, and any admittance that you're not ok is one of weakness. While women are often wrongly characterized as "emotional", men are not encouraged to speak up at all. It has its roots in childhood when we're told that boys don't cry.
Dr. Natasha Bijlani, a Consultant Psychiatrist at Priory Hospital Roehampton, discusses the outdated idea of what it means to be a man:
“Traditionally, men have been less likely to seek support for mental health issues. This is probably for a number of reasons including stigma and the traditional ‘strong male’ stereotype still prevalent in our society – the idea that expressing emotion is a sign of weakness."
These gender roles maintain a stigma around mental health, leaving many men unable to discuss their true feelings when they are struggling or seek professional support and treatment.
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| Why Do More Men Die From Suicide? |
Communication
Generally speaking, women tend to be more communicative around mental health, and able to discuss their feelings with others rather than resorting to internalizing their emotions. This is supported by surveys on the topic of mental health. As many as 40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health, despite over three-quarters suffering from common symptoms like anxiety, stress, or depression. When asked why they don't speak up, the biggest reasons cited were:‘I’ve learned to deal with it (40%):
‘I don’t wish to be a burden to anyone (36%)
‘I’m too embarrassed (29%)
‘There’s a negative stigma around this type of thing’ (20%)
The same survey found that, for four in ten men, it would take thoughts of suicide to compel them to ask for support for their mental health. The workplace is another part of life where a stigma has taken hold. 71% of people say they would be worried about telling their employer about their mental health struggles for fear of getting a negative response.
Given men are less likely to speak up in a medical setting, it makes them less likely to get the treatment they need when they are struggling. Men have been shown to be less willing to report symptoms of depression - which some see as one explanation for why women are more regularly diagnosed with mental health conditions.
Substance abuse
Alcohol and depression are inextricably linked. People will often drink excessively in order to self-medicate when they're suffering from symptoms of depression or anxiety. Despite feeling more relaxed in the short term, alcohol is a depressant that, over time, will make symptoms worse. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 7% of men have an alcohol use disorder, compared to 4% of women.
Financial pressures
When pressures in your life are especially intense, many of the reasons above play a role that makes men more vulnerable to suicide. Our survey of 1,000 men put work pressures (32%) and financial pressures (31%) as the two biggest issues negatively affecting men's mental health. Again, gender roles may be relevant. Men have a tendency to view themselves as a failure if they are not able to provide for their families. During financial downturns, the BBC reports that rates of suicide increase, making men more at risk if they lose their job during a recession.
When workplace stigmas, an unwillingness to speak up, and the risk of substance abuse combine with a drastic change in someone's life, the risk of suicide can increase dramatically.
Spotting the Signs of Suicidal Ideation
It can be hard to identify when someone is thinking about taking their life (known as suicidal ideation or suicidal thoughts). If you're worried about someone, observe their character and look out for some of the following: A noticeable shift in their mood. Even a calmer mood can be a cause of alarm, perhaps indicating this person has made their decision and is at peace with it
Extreme levels of despair or hopelessness about life
Talking about, writing, or researching death or suicide
Saying goodbye to family and friends
Withdrawing from friends and family
Purchasing something which could be used for suicide, such as a knife, or saving pills
High levels of anxiety or agitation
Excessive alcohol use or drug abuse.
Recognizing someone else is not ok can be difficult, but it can even be more difficult to see it in yourself. Paul McLaren, a Consultant Psychiatrist at Priory Hospital Ticehurst House, has four questions men should ask themselves if they’re struggling with mental health:
Do you still get excited by positive occasions? For example when your team scores, or about a date or meeting friends
Are you still keen on exercise and do you still get a buzz from it? If your exercise is slipping and you are not motivated to do it, it could be that your mental health is deteriorating
Are you finding it harder to concentrate on work? Are you able to concentrate on a book or a film?
Are you losing track of social situations or just avoiding them?
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