Untreated depression can carry a high risk for suicide
Almost 800,000 people die by suicide every year, nearly twice the number who die by homicide. [1]
"Many men, including those who have tried to end their lives, have recovered from depression and suicidal thoughts."
According to the World Health Organization, men account for 75% of all suicides.[1] More than 90% of people who die by suicide struggle with their mental health. Researchers estimate that up to 60% of people who die by suicide have major depression. [2, 3] For more facts and figures see our Stats on Suicide in Men.
Unfortunately, there remains a heavy cloak of secrecy, shame, and stigma around suicide that often stands between men and recovery. But shying away from talking about suicide only perpetuates the stigma around it.
Suicide is rarely about escaping from responsibilities or purposely leaving others behind, and is more often a last desperate act to end extreme pain. But no matter how dark things get, there are paths to recovery and many men (including ones we have stories from) attest to getting better after thinking all was lost.
If you are feeling suicidal it’s crucial to reach out and seek support. Likewise, having conversations with someone you’re worried about is extremely important to letting them know you care. No one should have to fight depression on their own.
How we talk about suicide matters – and is something everyone can do to help
It’s important to take care when talking about suicide – many of the terms we use carry harmful connotations which contribute to the shame and silence surrounding suicide. By reframing the way we talk, we encourage guys to obtain support.
For everyone
How to Talk about Suicide: Avoiding Phrases like ‘Commit’
Many of the terms we use to describe suicide appear harmless at first, but carry negative connotations that contribute to the shame surrounding suicide.
Josh’s Story Video – Surviving Depression and Suicide
Josh was 22 when he tried to end his life. Not only did he survive, he found a way to recover and share his story in this depression and suicide video.
For Managing Suicidal Thoughts
Managing and Preventing Suicidal Thoughts
Our comprehensive page on managing suicidal thoughts in both the short and long term.
Reach out in a Crisis
Get practical tips to reach out and get help with suicidal thoughts. If you’re in danger of harming yourself or others, don’t hesitate to call 911.
For Those Supporting a Man
Suicide Prevention: Warning Signs
Suicide prevention includes recognizing and addressing warning signs that someone may be considering suicide, regardless of whether he has asked for help.
How to Help a Friend Who’s Struggling with Thoughts of Suicide
Reaching out and talking to a friend who may be thinking about suicide is tough, but wishing you had talked is a lot harder.
How to Manage Suicide Risk
Learn how to decrease suicide risk by recognizing and addressing warning signs that someone may be considering suicide.
How to Help When Your Boyfriend or Husband is Suicidal
Finding out that your boyfriend or husband is suffering from thoughts of suicide can be overwhelming. Learn how to help if your partner is suicidal.
For those who have lost a man to suicide, please see: After a Suicide, How to Cope with a Friend’s or Loved One’s Death.
References
- World Health Organization. (17 June 2021). Suicide. WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide
- Cavanagh, J. T., Carson, A. J., Sharpe, M., & Lawrie, S. M. (2003). Psychological autopsy studies of suicide: a systematic review. Psychological medicine, 33(3), 395–405. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291702006943
- Lesage, A. D., Boyer, R., Grunberg, F., Vanier, C., Morissette, R., Ménard-Buteau, C., & Loyer, M. (1994). Suicide and mental disorders: a case-control study of young men. The American journal of psychiatry, 151(7), 1063–1068. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.151.7.1063