Guide for Men Struggling with Suicidal Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
Men of all ages struggle with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues like depression. Maybe you have family members or friends of men facing mental health challenges, or it's you feeling hopeless, isolated, and sad.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or hopeless, it's crucial to know that help is available, and reaching out could be the first step toward healing. Feeling seen, heard, and validated is the starting point of recovery. Men's counseling and depression treatment in Phoenix, AZ, offers a safe setting to address your past wounds, understand the root causes of your depression, and learn how to manage your symptoms.
National Suicide Awareness Month: Why Shedding Light on Men's Mental Health is Essential
Suicide awareness should be something we focus on all year long. Still, National Suicide Awareness Month, observed through the month of September, is an opportunity to talk about our struggles, raise awareness about suicide prevention, and offer support to those who are struggling.
The latest data from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reveals that in 2022, approximately 1.6 million people in the U.S. attempted suicide. Tragically, 49,476 of those attempts resulted in loss of life. Even though research shows that women experience depression at a higher rate than men, men are four times more likely to take their own lives: in 2022, males died from suicide 3.85 times more than women. Research also suggests that men are less likely to seek professional help for mental health issues compared to women. In 2021, just 40% of males with mental health conditions received help, compared to 51.7% of women.
This reluctance is often linked to societal expectations and masculinity stereotypes, which pressure men to suppress their emotions and man up. Told from a young age that "real men don't cry," you might hesitate to reach out to professionals, family, or friends when you're struggling. This pressure is real, and it's okay to feel it. But then, keeping things hidden can mean that your mental health challenges go unnoticed, undiagnosed, and untreated—and you don't have to go through it alone.
Understanding the Silent Struggle with Depression in Men
From an early age, most cultures teach boys that vulnerability is a sign of weakness, limiting them to expressing emotions like happiness or anger. Feelings such as sadness, grief, or fear are often suppressed. Given that, depression in men often disguises itself in ways that make it hard to recognize, both for others and even for yourself.
For instance, you might find yourself feeling edgy, getting angry quickly, snapping, or lashing out at those around you more often. This is because depression in men usually manifests through irritability and aggression. Anger and aggression cover up something deeper, like hurt, shame, or sadness. For many men, it's easier to feel angry than to deal with feelings of vulnerability and hopelessness or admit that they need help. It's a defense mechanism—getting angry can make you feel more in control when feeling vulnerable. You may not even realize why you're so frustrated, but those feelings can be a way your mind is trying to cope with depression. Maybe you've noticed that you're engaging in risky behaviors like drinking more than usual. Also, some men may use humor as a shield. Consider Robin Williams—a fantastic comedian who made millions laugh, but behind the humor, he was suffering a tremendous struggle with anxiety and depression and sadly died by suicide.
The first step to putting your health and healing first is to question your deeply held views about what it means to be a man. Learning how to be vulnerable is not a sign of weakness but a step towards understanding and managing your mental health. It's time to redefine masculinity and take control of your well-being.
Depression and Suicide: The Knotty Link
While not all individuals with depression are suicidal, depression is strongly linked to suicide. Key risk factors for suicide include:
Untreated mental health issues
Alcohol and substance abuse
Previous suicide attempts
A family history of suicide attempts
Major life changes
Chronic Illness
Social isolation and loneliness
Hopelessness, or a negative outlook about the future, can be a stronger predictor of suicide than depression itself.
What to Do If You're Having Suicidal Thoughts
Having suicidal thoughts can be highly isolating and overwhelming. But it's important to know that these feelings are temporary, and there are steps you can take to regain control and get help.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
Negative emotions often operate beneath our awareness, and recognizing them is the first step toward preventing suicide and healing. You can gain better control by identifying your feelings and understanding their impact on your actions and well-being. Try mindfulness meditation, which has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, despair, and anger by allowing you to be present and observe your unpleasant sensations and thoughts without responding to them. Furthermore, research has shown that focusing on the current moment without judgment might help you relax and improve your ability to control your emotions.
Reach Out to Someone You Trust: Stay Connected
While all you may want is to withdraw from others when you're struggling, isolation can worsen suicidal thoughts. Stay connected with people who care about you. Talking to a trusted friend or family member can offer support and help shift your focus, even if only for a short time. Sharing feelings can lighten the emotional burden and help you feel less alone. If speaking to someone in your personal life feels too difficult, consider reaching out to a professional who can provide a safe, non-judgmental space.
Remove Immediate Risks and Seek Professional Help Instantly
If you're having thoughts of self-harm, it's crucial to remove immediate risks from your environment, such as locking away medications or removing access to dangerous items. If you can't do it alone, ask someone you trust for help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist, counselor, or crisis hotline like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741), both available 24/7. Professional support is critical in helping you navigate your feelings and create a path to healing.
Mental Health Resources for Men
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Helpline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Mental Health America LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resource Center
National Institute of Mental Health – Men and Mental Health
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