Suicide is a difficult and sensitive topic but one which must be
addressed if we are to reduce the number of suicides recorded all round the
world. What makes it all the more complex is the reasons cannot be fully
understood owing to the nature of death by suicide. Nonetheless, we can try to
understand the potential contributing factors.
Statistics reveal that women are three times more likely
to attempt suicide, but men are three times more likely to die from suicide.
What's more, 62% of women who are successful at suicide have made a previous
attempt, whereas 62% of men who die from suicide have not attempted suicide
before. Worth noting is the fact that women tend to have higher rates of
depression diagnosis. In 2016, there were 793,000 deaths by suicide worldwide,
and majority were men. Why then do men commit more than women? Why the gender
gap? The factors addressed below try to point out the raison d'être for the "gender paradox of suicidal
behavior".
Degree of intent
It is theorized that men are generally more intent on
dying than women are, once they decide on suicide. Though this theory is yet to
be proven, some data backs up the idea. A study of 4,415 patients admitted to
hospital in Oxford following an episode of self-harm found that men reported significantly
higher levels of intent than women.
Differences in Suicide Methods
Males usually resort to more violent methods, which
usually result in death before any intervention is possible. Also, males tend
to have more access to suicide-enabling objects. For example, in the U.S., six
out of every 10 firearm owners are men, and 50% of Americans who commit suicide
do so with a gun. Common choices of suicide methods in males include: use of
firearms, hanging, suffocation, jumping, getting in the way of moving objects, and
use of sharp objects. Females use a wider variety of suicide methods than
males, including: self-poisoning, exsanguination, drowning, and use of firearms
- females are 735 less likely to use firearms.
Lack of Communication
Society raises men overemphasizing the need for them to
be 'strong'. In childhood, boys are told crying is a girl's thing. This
conditions boys not to express emotion as it is a perceived sign of weakness.
As such, men hide their vulnerabilities from themselves, their friends and
medical staff.
Alcohol dependence and impulsivity
There is a tendency for men to 'self-medicate' rather
than seek medical assistance. "There tends
to be more substance use and alcohol use among males, which may just reflect
the distress they're feeling – but we know it compounds the issue of
suicide," says Harkavy-Friedman, an Associate Professor of
Clinical Psychology.
Generally, men are more likely to be impulsive than women
are, exposing them to rash, unexpected suicidal behavior. Some studies support
the theory of men's impulsivity leading to more male suicides, others don't.
However, an indisputable link has been found between the
use of alcohol and suicide. A number of studies reveal that men are more likely
than women to have drunk alcohol in the hours before a suicide attempt.
Moreover, men are twice as likely as women to meet criteria for alcohol
dependence. Alcohol dependence can worsen depression and increase impulsivity
and irrationality.
Unemployment
A study carried out in 2015 revealed that for every 1%
increase in unemployment, there is a 0.79% increase in suicide rate. An
increase in suicide is usually noted 18 to 24 months after an economic
downturn. The worry caused by financial stress and joblessness tends to worsen
mental health issues. Those whose health insurance policies are linked to
employment may lose medical follow-up. For those being treated for substance
abuse or depression, this may be fatal.
Possible Remedies will be addressed in our next article
in the mental health series.
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