117 Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers Why Are Men at Risk of Suicide? Middle-aged men (40-60) die by suicide more than anyone else, including young people and women (Statistics Canada, 2019). Men are often socialized not to talk about their emotions, and therefore, men as a group may mask their stress and deal with emotional pain through harmful behaviours and actions, and sometimes suicide, instead of seeking help (Ogrodnickzuk & Oliffe, 2011). What to Expect This resource is an introduction to men and suicide.You’ll learn about statistics, warning signs, why men are more at risk, and how suicide can be prevented.You’ll also learn how to have a conversation with someone you’re worried about. If you know someone who is thinking about suicide, or if you’re thinking about suicide, call your local crisis line. In Canada, call 1-833-456-4566. Warning Signs Losing interest in hobbies or activities they normally enjoy • Not showing up to events they used to enjoy • Giving away items they value Disconnecting from family and friends • Texting, calling, visiting less often • Being less present and engaged in conversation Change in patterns • Sleeping more, even during the daytime, or being restless and having trouble sleeping • Eating less and losing weight, or eating excessively and putting on weight Drinking alcohol or taking drugs more than is normal for them Irritability and anger Risk-taking and ambivalence for the consequences Emotion suppression – denying or not experiencing feelings and emotions Offhand or uncharacteristic comments of hopelessness or expressing feelings of being a burden to others Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself Looking for a way to kill oneself or already having a plan Risk and Protective Factors Even before a person displays warning signs, we can learn something about their suicide risk by considering different factors in their lives.We all have characteristics or traits that may contribute to or diminish our risk of suicide. “Risk factors,” those factors that contribute to suicide risk, are always balanced by factors that build and maintain resilience,“protective factors.” Risk factors There are certain factors that can place men at a higher risk of suicide than others. Men as a group are at a higher risk for suicide because they tend to choose more lethal means of suicide.They’re also often socialized not to show or express emotion, leaving them with the idea that any show of weakness will diminish their “manhood.” Men who have the following characteristics, behaviours, or circumstances may be at a higher risk of suicide: Reluctant to seek help Men who are reluctant to seek help tend to bear the burden all alone. Everyone needs support from others at certain times in their lives. Hyper-masculine Men who were raised with the idea that showing any sign of emotion is a “weakness” are more likely to hide their emotions, which can become overwhelming and may lead them to a point of crisis. Dark clouds photo created by creativeart - www.freepik.com (continued)
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