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Did you know that South Africa is facing a suicide crisis? According to the South African Society of Psychiatrists, South African suicide rates rank at ten worldwide. Furthermore, men are the leading victims of suicide. Essentially, men are five times more likely to die from suicide than women.

Experts highlight that the main factors that contribute to suicide among adults are unemployment, unpleasant childhood traumas, and relationships, to name a few. Moreover, suicide prevention tools don’t address men’s mental health challenges. Read on to find out more about male suicide and the stigmas that prevent men from receiving proper help.

Men’s Mental Health is a Life and Death Issue

Society places many stereotypes about how men must deal with their emotions. They’re made to present themselves as confident and fearless. As a result, it becomes difficult for them to show any signs of weakness.

However, men dying from suicide has been an ongoing issue that society hasn’t addressed correctly. As much as women are most likely to show signs of depression and related disorders, statistics show that global suicide rates are still higher among men. The nature of suicide tells you that it remains a complicated issue to find solutions for.

iER has noted the increased rates of suicide. In 2022, approximately 190 suicide cases were reported. Below, we have highlighted why men fail to find help before it’s too late.

Lack of Communication

The lack of communication and meaningful relationships in men’s lives discourages them from speaking about their feelings. Communication is one of the ways to help prevent suicide for most victims. Experts suggest that many people struggling with suicidal thoughts need a space to talk to someone who understands what they’re going through.

Mental Health

According to the Mental Health Foundation, men are most likely to abuse substances if they show any signs of poor mental health. Moreover, mental health problems affect men differently compared to women. For instance, mental health in men is highlighted through aggressive behaviour.

Unemployment

Research suggests that a higher rate of depression accompanies unemployment in men. Shockingly, this can triple the risk of male suicide. Additionally, when men are unemployed, their physical health and substance dependence is affected.

Alcohol and Drug Use

Did you know that there’s a higher chance of suicide among men due to their normalised reliance on alcohol and drugs? iER has researched the role alcohol and drug use play in suicidal behaviour in men. Since men don’t talk much about their problems, they rely on drinking and illegal drugs as means to self-medicate when their mental health worsens.

Relationship Challenges

A study shows that men in troubled relationships experience worsening mental health symptoms. In fact, divorce can quadruple suicidal behaviour in men. How men react to emotional challenges is linked to the stereotypes that play a role in masculinity.

Ways to Improve Suicide Awareness for Men

First things first, it’s essential to know what mental health symptoms look like in men. As much as suicide behaviour symptoms vary, there are key signs unique to men in most cases. These include but are not limited to the following.

·        An increased interest in engaging in high-risk activities.

·        Aggressive behaviour.

·        Alcohol and drug abuse.

·        Irritability.

·        Increased loss of control.

Once you know what to look for, it becomes easier to find effective ways to raise awareness of the high risk of male suicide. If you struggle with suicide or know someone who does, getting professional support sooner is crucial. iER has developed useful strategies to raise awareness around suicide risk.

·        When you start to feel isolated, you must try to connect with others who understand what you’re experiencing.

·        Accept the positive support you receive from loved ones.

·        Change the way you view expressing your emotions.

·        Understand effective and positive ways to regulate your emotions.

·        Learn to admit when your emotions are too much to handle.

It’s important to remember that you are not alone in your life challenges. It’s okay to want to deal with your problems the best way you know. However, you must also know there’s nothing wrong with asking for help when you’re drowning.

In 2019, The World Health Organization suggested that out of an estimated 13 700 suicides, approximately 10 800 were men. Additionally, in 2021, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group reported 23 known cases of suicide. At iER, we have emergency service providers to help deal with suicidal behaviour.