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men and suicide

August 30, 2019  |  men, Mental health, Suicide awareness, Suicide prevention
men and suicude

Men are good at a lot of things (so are women, by the way). But one area they've outshined women across Warren and Clinton Counties isn't the best.

That area is suicide completions.

By far, men have been more successful at death by suicide in this area than women. Between 2001 and 2016 (the latest year for which we have data), there were 245 suicides by men. Compare that to 59 among women. And among those men, 141 - more than half - were married at the time.

While 54 of those men who died by suicide were veterans, the majority were not. And they tended to use more lethal means - i.e., guns - to complete their suicide, too.

Why does it happen so much more among local men than local women? Well, many factors could be at play. Some researchers say it could revolve around societal expectations for men. Think "tough guy" or "men shouldn't show emotion". Then there are other factors like a job loss, maybe a pending divorce or breakup with a significant other, or even financial problems. There are lots of reasons.

This month is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and the start of our "Real Men Reach Out" campaign. We're looking to reach men, but also talk with those who care for the men in their lives. The campaign aims to help educate both groups and move men toward asking for help when needed. It's all about stopping the number of suicides from growing here at home.

Visit our website for more resources geared toward men and suicide, and take time to learn the warning signs.

You might just save someone's life - maybe someone you love.