Suicide rate for men: Why are men committing more suicides

High Suicide Rate for Men

In 2021, the suicide rate for men was roughly four times greater compared to females in the United States. Although males constitute 50% of the population, they accounted for nearly 80% of all suicides.

75% of suicides are committed by males in Australia.

This is a global phenomenon, happening everywhere. It is a very concerning issue and one should take serious consideration into what might cause these high suicide rate for men. To fully understand, let’s look at some factors that contribute to the rise of suicide rate in men.

Social and cultural expectations

Traditional gender roles often place pressure on men to be strong, self-reliant, and stoic, discouraging them from seeking help or expressing vulnerability. This can lead to feelings of isolation and limited emotional outlets, which may increase the risk of suicide.

Social and cultural expectations can contribute to increased depression and suicide rates among men by creating an environment that discourages emotional expression and help-seeking. Traditional gender roles often prescribe men to be strong, self-reliant, and unemotional, placing immense pressure on them to conform to these ideals.

This societal pressure can lead men to internalize their emotions and avoid seeking support when faced with mental health challenges. By suppressing their feelings and denying themselves the opportunity for emotional release, men may experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Over time, these untreated mental health issues can escalate and contribute to the risk of suicide. Challenging these expectations and promoting mental health awareness is crucial to creating a society that values emotional well-being for everyone, regardless of gender.

Limited help-seeking behavior

Men, compared to women, are generally less likely to seek professional help for mental health issues. Societal norms around masculinity often discourage men from seeking emotional support, leading to untreated or undiagnosed mental health conditions that can contribute to suicide risk.

Limited help-seeking behavior among men is a contributing factor to higher suicide rates. Societal norms and expectations surrounding masculinity often discourage men from seeking emotional support and mental health services. Men may feel pressure to be self-reliant, strong, and stoic, fearing that seeking help is a sign of weakness.

This reluctance to reach out for support can result in untreated or undiagnosed mental health conditions, exacerbating feelings of distress and hopelessness. Without appropriate intervention and access to resources, men may be at a higher risk of suicide. Breaking down the stigma surrounding help-seeking and promoting mental health awareness are vital steps in addressing this issue and ensuring that men feel comfortable seeking the help they need.

Substance abuse and dependence

Men have higher rates of substance abuse and dependence, including alcohol and drugs. Substance abuse is strongly linked to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as it can exacerbate mental health conditions and impair judgment.

Substance abuse and dependence are significant contributing factors to the increased suicide rates among men. Men have higher rates of substance abuse compared to women, including alcohol and drugs. Substance abuse can have detrimental effects on mental health, exacerbating existing conditions or triggering new ones. Substance use alters brain chemistry, leading to impaired judgment, impulsivity, and increased feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Individuals struggling with substance abuse may also experience social and relationship difficulties, financial problems, and a sense of isolation, all of which can contribute to suicidal ideation. Moreover, substance abuse can lower inhibitions, making individuals more prone to acting on suicidal thoughts or engaging in impulsive behaviors. Additionally, the withdrawal effects during periods of abstinence can intensify depressive symptoms and increase the risk of suicide. It is crucial to address substance abuse and provide comprehensive treatment and support services that address both the addiction and underlying mental health concerns to reduce the risk of suicide among men.

Access to lethal means

Firearms are the predominant means employed in suicides, with usage surpassing 50% of all cases in the Untied States.

Access to lethal weapons, such as firearms, is a significant contributing factor to the higher suicide rates among men. Men are more likely to have access to firearms, and the presence of firearms increases the lethality of suicide attempts. Firearms are a highly effective and immediate means of causing fatal harm, leaving little room for intervention or second chances.

When individuals in distress have easy access to firearms, impulsive suicidal thoughts or moments of crisis can quickly escalate to irreversible actions. Studies have consistently shown that the availability of firearms is strongly associated with higher suicide rates. Countries or regions with higher rates of gun ownership often have higher overall suicide rates.

It is important to acknowledge that restricting access to lethal means, implementing responsible firearm ownership policies, and promoting safe storage practices can potentially prevent impulsive acts of self-harm and reduce suicide rates among men. Collaboration between mental health professionals, policymakers, and firearm safety advocates is crucial in addressing this issue and creating safer environments for individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Occupation-related stress

Occupation-related stress can significantly contribute to the risk of suicide among men. Certain industries and occupations, such as construction, military service, or high-pressure corporate jobs, can expose men to chronic stress, long working hours, job instability, and intense competition. The demanding nature of these professions can lead to increased psychological strain, burnout, and feelings of helplessness.

Men in these high-stress work environments may experience a lack of work-life balance, leading to strained relationships, social isolation, and a sense of disconnection. The pressures to succeed, meet expectations, and maintain professional image can further exacerbate mental health issues. The cumulative effect of prolonged occupational stress can manifest as depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, increasing the risk of suicidal ideation.

It is crucial for employers to prioritize employee well-being, create supportive work environments, and implement policies that address work-related stress. Promoting work-life balance, offering mental health resources, and fostering a culture of open communication and support can significantly mitigate the impact of occupation-related stress on mental health and reduce the risk of suicide among men.

It is important to note that these factors are not universally applicable to all men, and individual circumstances can vary significantly. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that includes promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma around help-seeking, providing accessible support services, and fostering social environments that allow men to express their emotions and seek help when needed.

How to reach out for help!!

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, previously called the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, provides round-the-clock access via calls, text messages, and online chat to trained crisis counselors.

These counselors offer assistance to individuals facing suicidal thoughts, substance abuse issues, mental health crises, or any other form of emotional distress. Additionally, individuals can dial 988 if they are concerned about a loved one who may require crisis support.

Teaching Kids the Reality of Life: Why it’s Important to Acknowledge the Ups and Downs

Why is it Important?

It is important to teach kids about the ups and downs of life because it helps them develop resilience, emotional intelligence, and coping skills. Life is not always easy, and everyone experiences challenges and setbacks at some point. By teaching kids to acknowledge and understand the difficult aspects of life, they are better equipped to navigate these challenges and bounce back from setbacks.

Teaching kids about the ups and downs of life also helps to manage their expectations. When children understand that life is not always perfect, they are less likely to become overwhelmed or disappointed when things don’t go their way. Instead, they can learn to develop a positive attitude and focus on finding solutions to the challenges they encounter.

It would be prudent to suggest that we are getting very comfortable with the way we orient ourselves into this cruel world. I hope I do not sound very pessimistic by describing the world the way it has been. Primarily, this is mostly affecting the high-school and college level young generation. Some would favor using “weak.” For the sake of writing to a larger audience, I am staying away from calling it “Weak.” What we have been witnessing is the intense contest between free exchange of ideas/talks and an overly protective environment that shields the would-be triggers from the vulnerable students.

It is incredible how our biology works if you truly understand. Our immune system is straightforward. It is extremely adaptive to the surrounding environment. But we choose not to give credit to our immune system when it is due. I partly blame it on our unprecedented fast-paced culture worldwide. I wonder how many people actually try to watch the 5 seconds youtube ads. This is how impatient we are getting to this day. It is not uncommon to expect more people would press the skip button. This is just an example.

Everything seems to be built to spend less time on everything: more conveniences, less time. We have accustomed to the new normal, impatience. We feel sick; we immediately think of doctors and pills. We don’t even give an ounce of thought but quickly take the thunder away from our immune system. The point is that we need to let our body’s immune system respond to threats and inconvenience of its own accord. Think about it; we don’t give child vaccines not to reduce exposure to hazards but to let children expose to threats in small doses, thereby preparing them for similar incoming threats for the future. I digress.

This extra layer of protective good intention is wreaking havoc on the life of many young teenagers. We never leave kids unintended; child-plays always occur in a secure environment in the form of parent-controlled play methods. While I appraise that being overly protective comes with good intentions, I think it is doing more harm than good. Let the kid experience what life is like outside the real world. Studies have found that kids who do not have control over their life can deal with a serious form of mental health and depression later in their adulthood.

It is really interesting, I have read a research conducted by Peter Gray, which suggested that the decline in children’s free play can hinder their mental and psychological development. This idea of free play, in my opinion, should not just be limited to physical activities. The free play of ideas, thoughts, and views should also be on the front burner in our education system. Instead, what we hear is the increase in environments such as trigger warnings and safe spaces for students who do not particularly share others’ ideas. Ok, trigger warnings and safe spaces are not bad ideas. I think they could be tools to help certain students learn better. But where do we draw attention between freedom of expression, speech, and the right to not be offended?

One Personal Rule I am Still Keeping In 2023

One Personal Rule I am Keeping in 2023

Everyone makes their own personal rules and boundaries. Some decided to quit smoking, drinking, and wasting time on video games. Some made rules to learn something new whether it be instruments, career skills, or cooking recipes. I wrote this article back in 2022. It was mid 2022 and I thought about making one rule for myself. It took me awhile to come up with one. However, a few moments later, I thought about many situations and personal experiences that I was able to resonate a lot.

Any wild guess?

It was to Never ask someone two things : Job or salary.

Never ask someone two things : Job or salary

Fame and social status are equivalent to drug. Once you experienced either one of them, you rarely desire to return back to the mediocre you were before. As a neophyte in the arena of huge fame, money, and popularity, I am no expert in it. This input is just a reminder for myself after observing the world around me. I have been thinking about this lately and I thought I would write it down.

I personally do not like being asked what I do for a living. This is not even the grotesque part. I hate being asked how much I make a month. This is not even close to being reserved or ashamed for the honest living I do. In my personal opinion, no part of these questions remotely display the candor of wanting to connect at a personal level. In the past, it used to be a way of getting to know each other (Ice-breaker if you will).That also used to be my go-to questions to anybody new I met. However, in my defense, the world back then was just another whole world.

Things have changed. Now those question becomes the embodiment of all the judgement and the level of respect one should give towards another. I do get it. Things have changed. Nowadays, social status, huge network, and a whopping amount of money can easily put one on top of the ladder. It is a short cut to success. Quote such as, “Show me your friends, I will show you your future” is very detrimental to the way we see the world, let alone our surroundings. The quote comes from a very famous individual which I cannot seem to remember now. Our brain automatically alert us to look at a person based on money and status these days. You don’t even recognize your brain is doing that. Most of the time you cannot control your thoughts and perceptions, at least it is very hard.

No one is against anyone building social networks, pursuing what one wants at all cost, and chasing the money. Those all are perfectly normal and as a human being we all should strive for. However, the danger lies when you start looking every individual as a set of opportunity, imaginary price-tag on top of their forehead, and a piece of asset. Every corners you look can seem perfect, but the earth is still round. Let me caveat that. The danger lies when our success mentality become a way to put down another.

The world can be a weird place some time. People who have nothing to say, say the loudest and nothing to offer, give abundant. I have met the most generous people in my life, and yet they have nothing to offer monetarily. I have also met very rich and many higher-ups, but they have nothing to offer except lust, and money. Money does not change someone. It only reveals who one really is. All I am saying is money and social status cannot be factored into making genuine connection with someone. Everyone should be treated with the same level of respect be it janitor, teachers or CEO of some corporates.

This is just my opinion and I do not expect much from anybody as well. I know I will be asked from time to time about my career and salary at my first encounter with many new friends and relatives. Sometime those questions make me feel like I am constantly tattering on the edge of being let down or judged. I do not expect much from this society. I also know damn too well that I can never judge a person based on the kind of questions they ask or topics they bring about during conversation. So, I guess every time I get asked what I do for a living, it circles back to the question I often ask myself of

“ what is better than giving an honest answer, right?”

Side note: Those questions are perfectly reasonable to ask once there is a certain level of closeness and equal respect established between the two individuals. But I would still try to avoid in any conversation if possible.

Chyahkyi Naw