By Shannon Bussnick, LSW
Depression is one of the leading causes of suicide worldwide, but it doesn’t look the same for everyone—particular in men.
While it often manifests as sadness and withdrawal, depression can appear quite differently in men, often going unnoticed or misunderstood. Tragically, this difference is reflected in suicide rates: men account for nearly 80% of all suicide deaths in the United States, with approximately 39,581 men lost to suicide in 2022 alone.
To address this crisis, we need to understand how depression affects men specifically and tackle the stigma around men’s mental health. In this blog, we’ll explore how depression manifests in men, why they are at higher risk for suicide, and what we can do as a society to foster understanding, prevention, and support.
How Depression Manifests Differently in Men and Women
Depression doesn’t always look like sadness. For many men, it can appear as irritability, anger, or risk-taking behaviors. While women are more likely to show typical signs—like sadness, tearfulness, or openly talking about their feelings—men may withdraw, numb their pain with substances, or express depression through aggression. This difference is partly due to societal expectations that discourage men from expressing vulnerability, leading them to internalize or mask symptoms.
Men’s depressive symptoms are often overlooked because they don’t fit the typical portrayal of depression. For example, a man who seems irritable, easily frustrated, or frequently angry might be battling a deep, hidden sadness. Recognizing these unique manifestations is essential for understanding the scope of men’s mental health challenges.
Addressing The Stigma Around Men’s Mental Health
Despite increasing awareness of mental health, societal norms still largely discourage men from seeking help. There’s a pervasive belief that men should “tough it out” or avoid showing emotional vulnerability, leading many to suppress or ignore their mental health struggles. This stigma not only isolates men but can also make them feel ashamed for experiencing depression, often worsening their mental state.
This cultural pressure impacts men of all ages, from teenagers to elderly men, who are often told that strength means not needing help. Breaking this stigma is crucial to helping men feel that reaching out for support is a strength, not a weakness.
Why Men Are at Higher Risk for Suicide
The tragic outcome of untreated depression is reflected in men’s high suicide rates. Men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, often due to the societal pressures that prevent them from seeking help and their use of more lethal methods, such as firearms. Statistics show that men aged 75 and older have the highest suicide rates, followed closely by men aged 25 to 44. These numbers highlight that depression, when left untreated, can lead to devastating consequences.
Understanding why men are at a higher risk is the first step toward change. Untreated depression, combined with stigma and limited emotional support, makes it difficult for men to find the relief they need, leading many to feel that suicide is their only option.
Signs of Depression in Men: What to Watch For
Recognizing the signs of depression in men requires a deeper understanding of how symptoms might look.
While every individual is unique, some common signs to watch for include:
• Increased irritability or anger
• Risk-taking or reckless behaviors
• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities
• Substance misuse, such as alcohol or drug use
• Feelings of hopelessness or numbness
• Physical symptoms like headaches or chronic pain without a clear cause
By recognizing these signs, loved ones, friends, and colleagues can encourage men to seek the help they need before reaching a crisis point.
Building Awareness and Education Around Men’s Mental Health
Education and awareness are powerful tools in combating the stigma around men’s mental health. By teaching people about the unique signs of depression in men, we can foster understanding and create a more compassionate society. Schools, workplaces, and community centers can play pivotal roles by providing resources that normalize seeking help and discussing mental health without judgment.
Raising awareness not only helps those struggling but also educates friends, family, and communities on how to support men experiencing mental health challenges. With the right information, everyone can become part of the solution.
Effective Outreach and Prevention Strategies for Male Suicide
To reduce male suicide rates, outreach efforts must be proactive, accessible, and relatable. Men may not always seek therapy directly, so offering varied mental health resources, like support groups, teletherapy, and peer support networks, can make a difference. Programs aimed at men should consider alternative approaches, such as activities that encourage bonding and vulnerability in non-traditional settings like sports, workshops, or skill-based classes.
Additionally, mental health campaigns that challenge outdated masculinity norms can help men feel comfortable seeking support. Messaging that emphasizes strength in resilience and self-awareness can reshape how men view mental health care.
Reducing Access to Lethal Means: Firearm Safety
Reducing access to lethal means, particularly firearms, is a crucial step in suicide prevention. With over half of male suicides involving firearms, safety measures like responsible storage laws, safety devices, and educational campaigns can prevent impulsive actions. Policies and community efforts that promote responsible firearm use can help keep at-risk individuals safer while respecting the rights of firearm owners.
Incorporating mental health education into firearm safety discussions can also bridge the gap between personal safety and mental health awareness, creating a more comprehensive approach to prevention.
Creating a Culture of Compassion: Encouraging Men to Seek Help
At the heart of suicide prevention is compassion. We need a culture that supports men, showing them that seeking help is not only acceptable but encouraged. Friends, family members, and communities can play a vital role by creating safe spaces where men feel valued, heard, and understood.
Encouraging open conversations, providing mental health resources, and supporting mental health education can change lives. By reaching out, reducing stigma, and promoting empathy, we can make a difference in countless lives, ensuring that men know they’re not alone in their struggles.
Conclusion
Addressing the high rates of male suicide begins with understanding and compassion. Depression affects men differently, but with awareness, education, and proactive outreach, we can start breaking down the barriers that prevent men from seeking help. Every effort to reduce stigma, encourage openness, and support mental health initiatives contributes to a world where men feel empowered to take charge of their mental health. By fostering a culture that values vulnerability as a strength, we can help save lives and bring hope to those in need—no matter their gender identity.
References
- HelpGuide. Depression in Men: Understanding Male Depression Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments. Retrieved from https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/depression/depression-in-men
- Mental Health Center. Signs of Depression in Men. Retrieved from https://mentalhealthcenter.com/signs-of-depression-in-men/
- New York State Office of Mental Health. Men and Depression. Retrieved from https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/booklets/men-and-depression.pdf
- Verywell Mind. Men and Suicide: Why Rates Are So High and What We Can Do. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/men-and-suicide-2328492
- Priory Group. Why Are Suicides So High Amongst Men? Retrieved from https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/why-are-suicides-so-high-amongst-men
Vienna Lane 
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