Men

Potential factors contributing to male suicide include:

• Lack of mental health treatment for men: Men may be more likely to mask their problems or negative emotions to avoid “burdening” loved ones or friends. 

• Economic factors: Research indicates that unemployed or recently unemployed men may have more feelings of purposelessness or begin to believe they are not needed, which may increase their risk of suicide. 

• Masculine gender roles: Feelings of not being able to protect or provide for their family may contribute to feelings of hopelessness and shame that lead to suicide. 

• Bullying: For young men in particular, being bullied in person or online by peers can, in some cases, drive the victim of the bullying to suicide.

• Relationship issues: Ongoing trouble with intimate relationships may contribute to male suicide, as studies show that men often rely more on their partners for emotional support than do women.

• Isolation and depression: Social isolation often leads to mental health issues such as depression, which may become severe and lead to suicide if untreated.