Understanding the Suicide Rate in Men

The suicide rate among men in the U.S. is about four times that of women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Viewed another way, men account for almost 80% of suicides but only half the population. Although women tend to experience more suicidal thinking, men are far more likely to end their own lives.

Here are some important things to understand about suicide among men and what you can do if you or a loved one are having hopeless feelings or thoughts about suicide.

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Risk Factors for Suicide

Not every attempt at suicide results in completion, although first attempts are often followed by fatal second attempts.

The most common risk factors for suicide are:

• Being bullied at school, college, or work
• Divorce or relationship breakdowns
• History of physical and sexual abuse
• Imprisonment
• Loss of a loved one through trauma or disease
• Mental illness, particularly depression and painful or debilitating conditions
• Inability to form or sustain meaningful relationships
• Social isolation or living alone
• Unemployment
• Drug and/or alcohol abuse

Why the Suicide Rate in Men Differs

In addition to the above risk factors, there are some other theories as to why men are at a greater risk of death by suicide.

• Traditional male gender roles discourage emotional expression. Men are told they need to be tough and that they should not need to ask for help. Such rigid gender norms may make it difficult for men to reach out and ask for support when they need it.
• Depression may be underdiagnosed in men. Men often do not disclose feelings of depression to their doctors. When they do, it is often described as having problems at work or in relationships. Men also tend to describe their feelings as "stress" rather than sadness or hopelessness.
• Men are less likely to seek help for emotional problems. Research suggests that depression is diagnosed less frequently in men because of the tendency to deny illness, self-monitor symptoms, and self-treat.
• Men may be more likely to self-treat symptoms of depression with alcohol and other substances.

How to Prevent Suicide in Men

Strategies that both individuals and communities can use to help reduce the risk of male suicide include: 

• Watching for signs of depression. Symptoms of depression in men include irritability, social withdrawal, anxiety, loss of interest or pleasure, physical pains and complaints, engaging in risky behaviors, misusing drugs and alcohol, and being unable to keep up with normal daily tasks.
• Offering support. If you notice signs of depression, ask what you can do to help and let them know you are there to listen and help.
• Not ignoring the signs. Avoid dismissing or making light of comments that indicate suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you hear suicidal talk or statements, encourage them to talk to their doctor or therapist.

Emotional and practical support is important. The listed warning signs don't inevitably lead to suicide attempts, but you should never ignore them.

In such circumstances, that individual may not be motivated to seek out help for themselves. It often falls on others to offer support by listening, offering encouragement, and sometimes even challenging the preconceptions people hold about themselves, such as their abilities and worth to society.

Other ways to help reduce male suicide:

• Identify men who are at risk and offer support.
• Teach men coping and problem-solving skills to help them manage challenges with work, relationships, and health issues.
• Make mental health support options readily available.
• Create opportunities that bring people together to form social connections and find support.
• Restrict access to lethal means of suicide, such as firearms and prescription drugs.

Reframing the idea of seeking help is also important. Men may avoid it because they fear it is a sign of weakness. Finding ways to change this perspective is a critical aspect of reducing male suicide rates. The 2019 study also found that reframing help-seeking as masculine behavior increases the likelihood that men will ask for help when they need it.

How to Get Help

Getting help for people expressing suicidal intent or showing the warning signs is all-important. If you or someone you know needs help, there are many people and places where they can turn, including:

• Family doctors
• Psychologists
• Psychiatrists
• Psychotherapists
• Voluntary organizations
• Community mental health centers
• Local hospitals
• Social agencies

You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

There are effective treatments for depression. Psychotherapy, antidepressants, and often a combination of both can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and lowering the risk of suicide.

The Takeaways

Depression may manifest differently in men than in women, which may explain why loved ones and physicians often miss the signs. Cultural expectations sometimes prevent men from seeking help when they're feeling hopeless or suicidal. However, proven therapies can help men learn to cope, feel better, and get back to their usual lives.