The sombre statistics paint a grim picture – in the UK, a staggering three out of every four suicides involve men.
This harrowing reality begs the question: why are males disproportionately affected by this devastating phenomenon?
While suicide is a multifaceted issue with no single cause, understanding the underlying factors can pave the way for effective prevention and support strategies.
The Statistics
The numbers are a chilling wake-up call.
In 2020 alone, a staggering 4,639 men in the UK took their own lives, accounting for a staggering 74% of all suicides.
That number jumped to 5,642 in 2022, so it’s getting worse.
Alarmingly, the suicide rate among men (15.4 per 100,000) is more than three times higher than that of women (4.9 per 100,000).
Moreover, men aged 45-64 have the highest suicide rate by age group, at a heartbreaking 20 per 100,000.
There are all sorts of statistics on this subject, but what is going on? Why are men so much more likely to take their own lives than women?
Societal Pressures and Gender Norms
One potential contributing factor lies in the deeply ingrained societal expectations and gender norms that men have historically been subjected to.
For generations, the pressure to embody the traditional masculine ideal of strength, stoicism, and self-reliance has discouraged men from openly expressing their emotions or seeking help when struggling with mental health issues.
Dr Natasha Bijlani, a Consultant Psychiatrist at Priory Hospital Roehampton, sheds light on this outdated notion of masculinity:
“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.”
This stigma surrounding mental health can leave many men feeling isolated and unable to discuss their true feelings, let alone seek professional support and treatment.
The Communication Barrier
In addition to societal pressures, there exists a notable communication gap when it comes to mental health issues among men.
Research indicates that 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 most common reasons cited include:
- “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%)
Alarmingly, the same survey found that for four in ten men, it would take thoughts of suicide or self-harm to compel them to seek professional help for their mental health struggles.
Substance Abuse and Coping Mechanisms
Alcohol and substance abuse can also play a significant role in exacerbating mental health issues and increasing the risk of suicide among men.
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 7% of men have an alcohol use disorder, compared to 4% of women.
Excessive alcohol consumption, often used as a means of self-medication to alleviate symptoms of depression or anxiety, can ultimately worsen these conditions over time, creating a vicious cycle that further deteriorates mental well-being.
Financial and Work-Related Pressures
For many men, the perceived societal expectations of being the primary breadwinner and provider for their families can create immense pressure and stress.
According to a survey, work pressures (32%) and financial pressures (31%) were cited as the two biggest issues negatively affecting men’s mental health.
During periods of economic downturn or job loss, this pressure can intensify, leading to a heightened sense of failure and inadequacy.
The BBC reports that rates of suicide tend to increase during financial recessions, making men more vulnerable if they lose their jobs or face significant economic hardship.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Identifying when someone is contemplating suicide can be challenging, but recognizing certain warning signs can help initiate life saving intervention and support.
Some potential indicators to watch out for include:
- Noticeable shifts in mood, including a calmer demeanour that may indicate a sense of acceptance or resolution
- Expressions of extreme despair, hopelessness, or a lack of purpose in life
- Discussions, writings, or research about death or suicide
- Saying goodbye to family and friends, perhaps subtly
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Acquiring means to inflict self-harm, such as purchasing weapons or stockpiling medication
- Heightened anxiety, agitation, or reckless behaviour
- Excessive alcohol or drug abuse
It’s crucial to take these signs seriously and not dismiss them as mere passing phases or attention-seeking behaviour.
What to do if you Know a Man Who is Suicidal
If you’re concerned that a man in your life is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it’s essential to approach the situation with sensitivity and directness.
Here are some steps you can take:
- Prepare for the Conversation: Choose a private, comfortable setting where the individual feels at ease, and ensure you have enough time to discuss the matter without interruptions. Familiarize yourself with available resources and support services you can recommend.
- Be Direct: While it may feel uncomfortable, it’s crucial to use the word “suicide” directly when expressing your concerns. Asking direct questions like “Are you feeling suicidal?” or “Have you thought about ending your life?” can encourage honesty. It’s much more difficult to evade direct questions, whereas asking “How are you feeling” offers plenty of routes away from the subject.
- Listen Without Judgement: Once the conversation begins, focus on actively listening without interrupting or offering unsolicited advice. Encourage the individual to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement or criticism.
- Offer Support and Reassurance: Remind the person that they are not alone and that there is help available. Offer to assist them in seeking professional support or accessing resources that can provide guidance and treatment.
- Take Action: If the individual has made specific plans or expresses an immediate intent to harm themselves, do not leave them alone. Contact emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline immediately to ensure their safety.
Remember, your role is not to solve the problem but to provide a compassionate ear and facilitate access to appropriate professional support.
Where to Get Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, there are numerous resources available to provide support and guidance:
- Samaritans: A 24/7 emotional support helpline. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): A helpline specifically for men, open from 5 pm to midnight every day. Call 0800 58 58 58 (nationwide) or 0808 802 58 58 (London).
- PAPYRUS: A national charity for people under 35, offering support through their hotline (0800 068 41 41), text service (07860 039967), and email (pat@papyrus-uk.org).
- Shout Crisis Text Line: Text “SHOUT” to 85258 for immediate support.
- YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: For individuals under 19, text “YM” to 85258.
- Andy’s Man Club: Free peer-to-peer group support meetings for men. Email INFO@ANDYSMANCLUB.CO.UK to find your nearest group.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By reaching out, you are taking the first step towards reclaiming control over your life and finding a path forward.
