While males and in particular young males are at higher risk of dying by suicide, we have to ask the question "why?". More males complete suicide while more females attempt it. Lethality is related to method; men tend to die by more violent means, shooting and hanging; while women tend to opt for overdoses. The methods men are more likely to choose result in more spontaneous deaths and survival is therefore more unlikely. Are women less serious about their suicide bid? No, and it should never be assumed that a suicide attempt by anyone, is solely a 'cry for help' and that they will never complete a suicide. In one Irish study of completed suicide, 40% had completed on their first attempt, that means that 60% had tried before. It also found that 80% had expressed their suicidal ideas to 'someone' in the two weeks prior to their death. Therefore the notion that those who talk about suicide are never serious has to be completely dismissed.
What is the meaning of suicide for those who attempt or complete? Suicide is not a wish to die per se, but more a wish to escape the psychical pain they are experiencing, sadly people sometimes feel that the only option to' kill the pain', is to kill themselves. Approximately 90% of those who complete suicide are suffering from some kind of psychiatric disorder. There are many suicides that appear to have no connection to a previous history of depression, sometimes it is because they were good at hiding it from those close to them, or because it was an acute episode of psychic distress whereby the suicidal thoughts and plans occur over a relatively short period of time. There is no doubt that in times of recession and high unemployment the rate of suicide increases, at a time when public services in general and health services in particular are probably hardest hit by austere budgetary cuts.
In western societies the ratio of male suicide, to female suicide, is between two and four to one. The only country where female suicide overtakes male suicide is China, where females in rural areas are more likely to take their own lives. More than 30% of suicides world wide occur in China. Generally men are conditioned to get on with life, not to analyse things too deeply and to rarely show their vulnerability. This often makes it difficult for males to seek help. Where traditionally males were the sole or main breadwinner in the family, losing a job or a business can feel like a catastrophic failure. From a societal perspective the transition to a more economical, secular and individualised society has seen traditional sources of support from, extended family, church and community being stripped away. People are having to cope with increased pressures on decreased supports.
Finally if you are concerned about someone you know who is depressed and/or suicidal, talk to them. Don't be afraid to ask them if they've thought about harming themselves, you are not planting ideas in their heads that they haven't already thought of. Advise them to attend their family doctor if necessary, and be there to listen and support them.