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Education > Our Community Education Services
Suicide Risk and Prevention - Men in the
Middle Years
Initiatives to prevent suicide must also address the need of adults in the middle years. The
following article discusses “Men in the Middle Years”. Also read our article about the needs of
“Mothers-to-Be and New Mothers”.
Is this a large problem?
Consider these facts:
- In the United States about 6 million men suffer from depression.
- Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death for all U.S. men.
- Those between 25-54 years account for the largest number of death by suicide within
that group.
- In New York State, 81% of suicide deaths in 2002 were by men.
- Compared to women, men are more likely to use lethal means of suicide and are four
times more likely to die from suicide attempts as women in New York.
- 60% of men’s suicide deaths involved the use of a firearm in 2001.
- Although depression is a serious problem for men they are less likely than women to
seek treatment for depression.
What do we know about these men?
- Many men do not realize that some of their physical symptoms may be caused by
depression.
- There is a cultural belief that men need to be “in control” of situations. A loss of control
over life events may be difficult for some men to deal with.
- For some men, the fear their life unraveling has been described as greater than the fear
of death itself.
What increases the likelihood that a man in the middle years will commit
suicide?
- Prior suicide attempts increase the likelihood of another attempt.
- A family history of suicide also increases a man’s risk.
- Untreated depression (although depression is treatable in 80-90% of all cases).
- Alcohol use or dependence can increase the risk of suicide.
- Social isolation can be a risk factor.
- Poor performance at work or unemployment are risk factors.
- Personal set backs such as legal problems, marital conflicts, bankruptcy or arrest can
increase a man’s risk.
What decreases the likelihood that a man in the middle years will commit
suicide?
- Effective clinical care for mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders.
- Easy access to a variety of clinical interventions and support for help seeking.
- Family and community support.
- Support from ongoing medical and mental health care relationships.
- Skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and nonviolent handling of disputes.
- Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support self-preservation.
How can we help prevent suicide among men in the middle years?
- Recognition that the individual is at risk in order to obtain help.
- Screenings by primary care physicians for depression are an essential component of
suicide prevention. Depression is treatable yet primary care physicians diagnose
individuals correctly 30-50% of time.
- Earlier interventions in episodes of mental illness at work sites, mental health and
chemical dependency settings, religious and community programs and courts.
- Education campaigns early in men’s lives to help them seek assistance for depression
and mental illness.
(These data reported in http://www.cdc.gov, http://www.omh.state.ny.us and Saving Lives in New York: Suicide
Prevention and Public Health Volume 2, 2005.)
Where Can I Find More Information?
For information on this web site, go to our Suicide in Children/Adolescents and Suicide in Adults pages
for warning signs, who is at risk and advice on what to do to help.
Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the 13 major operating components of
the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is the principal agency in the United States
government for protecting the health and safety of all Americans and for providing essential human
services, especially for those people who are least able to help themselves
US Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calltoaction/default.htm
“The Surgeon General's Call To Action To Prevent Suicide” presented in 1999, outlines more than a
dozen steps that can be taken by individuals, communities, organizations, and policymakers.
New York State Office of Mental Health
http://www.omh.state.ny.us
This site describes the Office of Mental Health, its initiatives and resources. It also has links to other sites
related to mental health.
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