[Resource] Men and Suicide Fact Sheet
Middle-aged men (40 to 60) die by suicide more than anyone, including young people and women (Statistics Canada, 2019). Men are often socialized not to talk about their emotions. As a result, men as a group may mask their stress and deal with emotional pain through harmful behaviours and actions, and sometimes suicide, instead of seeking help (Ogrodniczuk & Oliffe, 2011).
Warning signs
Any significant change in behaviour or mood is a warning sign that someone may be thinking about suicide. For example:
- Losing interest in a previously enjoyed hobby or activity
- Disconnecting from friends or family (not calling as much, not going out)
- Increased alcohol and/or drug use
- Higher levels of irritability or anger
- More risk taking with ambivalence about the consequences
- Denying or not experiencing feelings and emotions
- Making off hand or uncharacteristic comments of hopelessness or expressing feelings of being a burden to others
- Talking about wanting to die or taking their own life
- Looking for a way to take their own life or already having a plan (American Association of Suicidology, 2018
See rest of article and download the PDF Fact sheet
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By
Mental Health Commission of Canada
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Published
Jun 19, 2024
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Subject Area
- General Health and Wellness
- Mental Health and Wellness
- Social Connectedness / Social Isolation
- Age-friendly Communities
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Audience
- Service Providers (Non-profits, Community Organizations, Local government)
- Caregivers, Seniors & Volunteers
- Health Authorities
- Government (Politicians, Policy Makers) and Health Authorities
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Category
- Advocacy
- Best Practices
- Friendly Visiting
- Research & Evidence
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