Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among all American adults and rates are increasing in both men and women. But numbers also show stark differences between genders.
In 2017, men died by suicide 3.54 times more often than women. Middle-aged white men, in particular, are susceptible. White males accounted for nearly 70-percent of suicide deaths in 2017, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
“There can be a stigma among men that they should ‘tough things out,’ rather than seeking help if they’re having struggles with their mental health,” says Dr. Lisa Baker, an SSM Health Psychologist at St. Mary’s Hospital - Madison. “As a result, mental health conditions are under-reported and under-detected in men, leaving them vulnerable to suicide.”
Dr. Baker says serious life stressors such as intimate partner problems, legal issues, unemployment/financial problems and health concerns are among the most common precipitating circumstances for suicides in middle-aged men.
People who live in rural areas are at higher risk of suicide than their urban counterparts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This, in part, can be explained by greater access to firearms, drug and alcohol use and a scarce of health care providers and emergency medical services. Cultural factors are also a barrier to accessing care and getting support from family and friends.
If someone has thoughts of suicide, offering support of listening and empathy is one of the most important and helpful responses you can offer.
“An empathetic statement is a sentence that reflects what the person is saying and uses ‘feeling’ words, so the person you’re speaking with feels you making an effort to understand them,” says Dr. Baker. “One example of an empathetic statement is, ‘It sounds like you’re feeling sad…I’m sorry you have been feeling this way, how can I help?’”
It’s important to remember that you can listen and offer support of your presence, while also helping them access professional help. More immediate help, such as going to the emergency department or calling 911, may be needed if your loved one has suicidal thoughts and may act on these thoughts. For more information on the warning signs of suicide, visit the American Psychological Association website.
At SSM Health, our mental health services exist to help heal your mind, spirit and body. Our team of counselors, psychiatrists, nurses and specialized therapists work to provide support, expertise and individualized care to our patients and their families. To serve you better, visit our Behavioral Health website to find more information on where to receive care.
