Today, millions of men are struggling with their mental health. Perhaps you’ve dealt with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or another mental health condition. Yet you’ve never opened up to anyone about it. Or maybe you have a brother, close male friend, or other relative who you suspect is dealing with suicidal thoughts. It can be hard for men to reach out for help. Therefore, many men struggle in silence for years before opening to anyone — if they ever do.

Men are more likely to commit suicide than women. But men’s mental health issues are often swept under the rug. Let’s explore the factors that contribute to male suicide rates and examine a few ways that we can shift to a healthier perspective on men’s mental health.

Suicide Is More Prevalent Amongst Men

Statistics reveal that more men commit suicide than women each year. Yet why is this the case? There are a few reasons. Men are less likely to reach out for professional help when they are dealing with mental health troubles. Additionally, they are typically reluctant to open up to their friends the way that women often do. Lastly, men have a tendency to choose suicide methods that are more violent in nature, which means that if they do decide to commit suicide, they are less likely to survive the attempt.

Why Men Struggle to Ask for Help

What holds men back from asking for help? Men are generally taught that they need to be stoic and keep their emotions under wraps in order to fit a certain stereotype of masculinity. Therefore, they hesitate to ask for help from their friends, relatives, or a therapist, because they feel ashamed to admit that they’re having trouble. They do not want to seem “weak.” The stigma contributes to higher male suicide rates.

Warning Signs of Suicide Ideation

Anyone could be dealing with suicide ideation behind the scenes. It is not always obvious to outsiders, even if you know someone very well. There are a couple of specific factors that can put men at a higher risk for suicide. For example, men who are single, unemployed, or retired are more likely to experience thoughts about suicide. Men who are having financial trouble, or who are not working, may feel like they are failing in the role that society establishes for them as a “provider.”

There are also certain behaviors to keep an eye out for amongst your family and friends. For example, if you notice a friend has been acting recklessly and engaging in dangerous behaviors, such as substance abuse, it could be cause for concern. You may also want to check in on friends who are giving away belongings or money, isolating themselves, or exhibiting drastic personality changes.

Preventing Suicide

If you’re concerned about a friend’s mental health, let them know that you’re here for them. For lots of men, opening up first isn’t easy. Simply finding ways to spend time with your loved ones when they need you most can go a long way. You might also want to offer to help them find a therapist. Suicide prevention is not a responsibility that one individual can solely take on, but being there for your friends is key.

Changing Perspectives

As a society, we need to push back on the strict, harmful ideals around masculinity that leave men suffering in silence. Letting your friends know that you care about them and cultivating relationships in which can openly share your emotions without judgment is crucial.

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Are you struggling with suicidal thoughts? Working with a therapist can help. Reach out to us to discuss your options for scheduling your first session for men’s counseling.