Why Are White Men at the Highest Risk for Suicide?
Today, white men are at a higher risk of suicide than any other demographic. This statistic might seem shocking. While other groups struggle with obstacles that can affect one’s mental health, like racism or sexism, it’s easy to assume that life is always easier for white men. But one’s gender or the color of their skin does not necessarily protect against mental health struggles. In fact, some of the cultural myths that white men are taught from childhood can actually prove highly detrimental to one’s mental health.
Why are white men at the highest risk of suicide? Understanding the many factors that contribute to this issue can help men get the help they need.
Stigma Against Seeking Therapy
Men, in general, face a harsh stigma when it comes to seeking therapy. Our culture teaches men that reaching out for help is a sign of weakness. In reality, recognizing that you can’t solve a problem on your own and asking for support shows a deep strength. Yet society tells men that they must be stoic at all costs, even when they’re suffering to the point of utter hopelessness.
This persistent stigma can leave men feeling like they’re up against a wall. A man might worry that his social circle will look down on him if he opens up about his mental health. At the same time, talking to a therapist might seem like it’s out of the question.
Social Isolation
Lots of men lack close social connections. For many men, their families are the centers of their social lives. Single men may have trouble staying in touch with married friends. As the years go on, men who are divorced or widowed might find that it’s not easy to stay plugged in to their old social circles.
Social isolation can make people particularly vulnerable to a wide range of mental health issues. Even men who do have strong social circles are often hesitant to talk about anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health issues.
Pressures of Unrealistic Expectations
Both men and women are held to unrealistic standards by society. Women often feel that it’s socially acceptable to ask for help. But men might internalize these expectations and keep their problems to themselves.
For instance, a man who is having trouble finding a job may feel like he’s letting his family down because he’s not stepping into the “provider” role. Rather than sharing his frustrations with his circumstances and these expectations, he might suppress his pain and try to keep trudging forward.
Substance Abuse
White men are more likely to engage in substance abuse, which contributes to a higher risk of suicide. For men who are reluctant to talk to loved ones or a therapist, substance abuse can seem like a path to finding relief from depression or anxiety. It’s a temporary escape from symptoms that can feel debilitating, day in and day out. But in the long run, substance abuse can actually worsen symptoms of depression. Addiction can dramatically heighten someone’s vulnerability to suicidal ideation.
Ignoring Symptoms
Finally, many men attempt to ignore symptoms of mental health issues for as long as possible. Overworking, spending long hours online, or looking for other forms of escapism can provide short-term distractions.
But over time, it becomes impossible to push these symptoms to the backburner, or convince yourself that you’re simply in a rut that you’ll be able to climb out of on your own. Gradually, symptoms can worsen until it feels like there’s no solution.
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If you or someone you love is struggling, reach out to our depression counselors to learn more about how we can support your mental health.