Understanding the Suicide Rate in Men

In recent years, there has been a steady increase in the number of men who end their own lives prematurely through suicide. Research shows that while women tend to experience more suicidal thinking, men are far more likely to die by suicide.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 45,979 people died by suicide in 2020 in the United States. Suicide is a leading cause of death, but it dropped from the top 10 leading causes of death in 2020. Suicide is a serious problem in the United States and worldwide, but there is hope. 

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 having 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 where this is related to depression and painful or debilitating illnesses or conditions
• Not being able to form or sustain meaningful relationships
• Social isolation or living alone
• Unemployment
• Using drugs and/or alcohol to help cope with emotions, relationships, the pressure of work, or other issues

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

There are strategies that both individuals and communities can utilize to help reduce the risk of male suicide, including: 

• 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 for helping people to adjust their circumstances to restore well-being. The warning signs listed above do not inevitably lead to suicide attempts.

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 help-seeking is also important. Men may avoid asking for help 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 incredibly 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

Support hotlines can also be an important resource, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which can be reached 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.

A Word From Verywell

Symptoms of depression may manifest differently in men than in women, which may explain why signs are often missed by loved ones and physicians. Cultural expectations can also play a role in why men fail to seek help when they are feeling hopeless or suicidal. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help men learn to cope, feel better, and get back to their usual selves.