Suicide In Men

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 suicide deaths.[1] Untreated depression is a major risk factor for suicide.” [2]

Mental health problems and suicidal thoughts are not uncommon.

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.

This page provides a wide variety of information on suicide and suicide prevention.


For Everyone

Whether we’re helping a friend, getting help ourselves, or looking to learn about suicide prevention, we all need to know that men struggling with thoughts of suicide can and do get better.

How we talk about suicide matters.

Many of the terms we use to discuss the topic of suicide carry harmful connotations that contribute to the shame and silence surrounding suicide. By reframing the way we talk about suicide, we communicate greater understanding, empathy, and compassion for those who are struggling, which can help remove some of the barriers that stand in men’s way to getting support.

Everyone also needs to know that recovery is possible. A guy can get to his lowest point imaginable, even after an attempted suicide, and still get better afterwards. We have several recovery stories speaking to this, with men sharing how they got better after thinking recovery was no longer possible. Josh, HeadsUpGuys’ Project Manager, shares his personal recovery story after surviving a suicide attempt.

Two Men Having a Conversation about Suicide

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.

Portrait of Josh

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.

black and white image of two men sitting, talking in a park

Stats on Suicide in Men

Key information about depression and suicide in men, highlighting statistics from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.


Managing Suicidal Thoughts

Suicide is not about escaping from responsibilities or purposely leaving others behind, but instead represents a last desperate act to end extreme pain. But no matter how dark things get, there are paths to recovery and many men can attest to getting better after thinking all was lost.

If you are feeling suicidal, it’s crucial to reach out and seek support. No one should have to fight depression on their own. Help is out there.

Man with suicidal thoughts

Five steps to overcoming suicidal thoughts

Here are five tips towards overcoming suicidal thoughts that can help you move away from hurting yourself and towards recovery.

Josh

How to stop thinking about suicide

Josh shares his experiences with depression and attempted suicide, and how he’s been able to stop thinking about suicide and recover from depression.

Man with beard sitting indoors

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.

Lots of men deal with suicidal thoughts when depressed, and many find strategies to reduce these thoughts and recover. In our Recovery Stories articles, many men share their experiences with managing and overcoming suicidal thinking.

Recovery Stories


Supporting a man who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide

Supporting a man who might be considering suicide is challenging. However, there are specific steps we can take to assist him. These include recognizing suicidal behaviour, guiding him toward a mental health professional, and helping him during a crisis.

The articles below provide overviews of the signs to look for and different ways we can offer support – without also compromising our own health.

Having conversations with someone we’re worried about is extremely important and lets them know we care.

Man with hat looking toward street Color

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.

Two men talking on beach

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.

A young man placing his arm around the shoulder of an older man

How to manage suicide risk

Learn how to decrease suicide risk by recognizing and addressing warning signs that someone may be considering suicide.

Man and woman watching sunrise

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 is 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

  1. World Health Organization. (17 June 2021). Suicide. WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide
  2. Cai, H., Xie, X. M., Zhang, Q., Cui, X., Lin, J. X., Sim, K., Ungvari, G. S., Zhang, L., & Xiang, Y. T. (2021). Prevalence of Suicidality in Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 690130. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.690130