Working hours : 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
(778) 554-0174
info@gentlecurrentstherapy.com
Menu
Contact Us

Factors that Contribute to Suicide Risk in Men

Factors that Contribute to Suicide Risk in Men

1.  Societal Expectations and Gender Norms

For men, expressing vulnerability, or admitting to emotional struggles is impaired by traditional masculinity norms which often deter men from seeking help.  A man’s willingness to reach out for support, seek counseling or discuss their emotional difficulties, can be affected by feeling pressured to conform to expectations of strength, stoicism, and self-reliance.

2.  Barriers When Seeking Help

An assortment of barriers can prevent men from accessing timely and appropriate mental health care and support. A lack of awareness around available resources, a perceived stigma surrounding mental health, a belief in, and a preference for self-reliance, a loss in their masculinity, or concerns about peer/family/work judgment, are all factors that create barriers for men getting the help they may need.

3.  Mental Health Challenges

Mental health issues such as PTSD, trauma, compound stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, untreated mental health, or psychiatric disorders, present significant risk factors for suicide in men. Failing to recognize, acknowledge, and address these issues due to societal expectations and stigma presents unique challenges for men.

4. Access to Lethal Means

Sadly, Men are inclined to use methods that are lethal in suicide attempts, such as firearms or hanging. (do we want to say or identify this?) A man’s access to means can play a critical role in the risk of suicide risk.
By Providing safety a safety plan, and interventions and emphasizing the importance of preventive measures such as restricting access to lethal means can reduce the likelihood of completed suicide.

Preventing Suicide in Men