Why is suicide more common in men?

Why is suicide more common in men?

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So. Why is suicide more common in men? We dont know. But these are some ideas. We will start with some data.

Each year across the UK, approximately 6,000 people take their own lives. Whilst women are more likely to attempt suicide or be diagnosed with a mental health condition like depression, men account for around three-quarters of all suicides.

Suicide is a very complex and sensitive issue, with many factors combining to push someone to take such drastic action. It is a mistake to generalise across cases, but questions remain as to why the rate of suicide is so much higher in men. We will now look at some relevant statistics and research, to explore some of the reasoning behind the suicide gender differences.

Male suicide statistics

• In 2022, there were 5,642 suicides registered in England and Wales (10.7 deaths per 100,000 people)
• Males continued to account for three-quarters of suicide deaths in 2022 (4,179 male deaths; 1,463 female deaths)
• Men aged 45-64 have the highest rate of suicide by age (20 per 100,000)
• Suicide is the second biggest cause of death in young males (1-19 years old).

Why do more men die from suicide?

Generalising across all cases of suicide is not always helpful, and 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 are encouraged to be tough, and any admittance that you are not OK is seen as weakness. Whilst women are often wrongly characterised as ’emotional’ (which is actually ‘good’), men are not encouraged to speak up. It has its roots in childhood, when we are told ‘boys don’t cry’.

Thus, 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 in our society – with an idea that expressing emotion is a sign of weakness.

These gender roles maintain a stigma around mental health, leaving many men less able to discuss their true feelings when they are struggling or seek professional support and treatment.

Communication

Generally speaking, women tend to be more communicative around mental health, able to discuss their feelings with others rather than resorting to internalising their emotions. This is supported by surveys 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.

Substance abuse

Alcohol and depression are inextricably linked. Men may be more likely to drink excessively, to self-medicate when they’re suffering from depression or anxiety. Despite feeling more relaxed in the short term, alcohol is a depressant that, over time, will make symptoms worse.

Financial pressures

When pressures in life are especially intense, men may be more vulnerable to suicide. Why? Again, gender roles may be relevant; as men have a tendency to view themselves as a failure if they are not able to provide for their families.

Summary

We have described why suicide is more common in men. We hope it has been helpful. It is important that men (as well women) discuss their feelings and emotions, and seek mental health care as soon as problems arise.