The continued rise of suicide among men

The dark topic of suicide is never an easy one to discuss.  Yet, it is a topic that should be broached as the stigma of suicide leads to individuals who are unnecessarily taking their lives when they could be helped.  When we look the other way or ignore the fact there are people every day who make the decision to end their life, we are essentially making our own decision to not get involved instead of trying to reach out to them in their time of despair and hopelessness.

Suicide statistics among men

Suicide is the seventh leading cause of death for all U.S. men according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.  In recent years, suicide rates in the United States have continued to climb and disturbingly among men.  According to the American Association of Suicidology, in 2015, there were a total of 44,193 people who successfully committed suicide.  This averages out to 121.1 suicide deaths each day representing 1.6% of all deaths.  Out of this number, 33,994 men took their own lives compared to 10,199 women.  White men had the highest suicide rate of 24.6% of all suicide deaths which accounts for 7 out of 10 deaths by suicide.  This is followed by nonwhite men at 10%.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men die by suicide 3.5 times more often than women.  In 2015, the highest suicide rate was among adults between 45 and 64 years of age – white men in particular.  Firearms account for almost 50% of all suicides.

Risk factors for suicide

There is no single cause for suicide as there are many reasons why a person would deliberately choose to end their life.  But there are certain ones that tend to stand out as being more common than others.  The most common risk factors are:

·      Social isolation or living alone.  Unmarried men are more likely to commit suicide than married men.

·      Drug or alcohol use to help cope with emotions, relationships, the pressure of work or other issues.

·      Unable to form or sustain meaningful relationships.

·      Divorce

·      A history of physical or sexual abuse

·      Imprisonment

·      Being bullied at school, college or work

·      Unemployment

·      Loss of a loved one through trauma or disease

·      Mental illness often related to depression or having a painful or debilitating illness or condition.  Other mental health illnesses could include bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder, schizophrenia, or borderline or antisocial personality disorder.  Ninety percent of people who die by suicide have a mental disorder at the time of their deaths.

Suicide warning signs

Not everyone who has a risk factor for suicide is considering taking their life as many individuals have stressors in their lives.  But there are certain signs to look for that may alert you if someone you know is exhibiting a vast difference in their behavior.  Most people who take their lives will display at least one warning sign before doing so.  Here is what to look for according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:

·      If a person talks about being a burden to others, feeling trapped, experiencing unbearable pain, or having no reason to live

·      Their behavior can be another clue – increased use of drugs or alcohol, acting recklessly, withdrawing from activities, isolating from families and friends, sleeping too much or too little, visiting or calling people to say goodbye, showing signs of aggression or giving away prized possessions.

Preventing suicide

First, realize not everyone who attempts suicide is successful. But when we check up on loved ones or friends regularly, being alert and watching for signs of the possibility of a suicide attempt, this can be a first start in becoming more in touch with what they are dealing with or experiencing.  Many people who feel suicidal often say they are not capable of seeing the broader picture feeling trapped with no way out.  When they feel this way, they are not likely to be motivated to seek out help for themselves.  This is why knowing the risk factors and warning signs of suicide is important as it often fall on others to offer the support they desperately need. 

When we offer our time by listening to them, giving them encouragement and then helping them find appropriate help with mental health professionals, this can make a huge difference as to whether they go through with a suicide attempt or not.

Getting help

There are a variety of sources that can help a man or anyone else who is expressing suicidal intent or showing warning signs.  This may include a person’s family doctor, psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, voluntary organizations, community mental health centers, local hospitals, or social agencies. 

Anytime anyone is showing imminent signs of committing suicide, call 911 and do not leave them alone.  There is also a toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline which is a confidential service available to anyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).