The Pandemic No One Is Talking About: The Suicide Rate of White Men

 

This hidden pandemic does not hit everyone in the same way. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for people between 35 and 54. For individuals between 10 and 34, it’s the second leading cause of death. More than two-thirds of deaths by suicide are white men. White male suicide has risen by at least 40 percent in the past 10 years.

A “Silent Epidemic”

This is what the BC Medical Journal calls white male suicide, but let’s clear up some statistical specifics. At current rates, about 28 out of every 100,000 white males will die of suicide. For American Indians or Alaska Native males, the number is 43 suicides per 100,000. It’s crucial to factor in the reality that American Indians or Alaska Native males make up a little more than 1 percent of the overall population. White males, on the other hand, constitute about one-third of all Americans.

We must take seriously any group with a suicide rate over 43 in 100,000. But, in sheer numbers, white men are truly facing a silent epidemic. Why is this the case?

Possible Factors in the Suicide Rate of White Men

Some cliches exist for good reason. All throughout recorded history, men have been expected to be “strong” by artificial societal standards. Reaching out for help — especially pertaining to mental health — is stigmatized. This leaves mental health issues (and some physical conditions) undetected and undiagnosed.

For example, depression is frequently associated with suicidal ideation. However, at most, 25 percent of men with depression-like symptoms will ask for help.

Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide. When other conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use go undiagnosed or untreated, the risk of suicide increases. Just 25% of men who report having feelings of depression or anxiety daily have spoken to a mental health professional.

Even those men who do talk with a medical professional, they more often than not downplay any signs or symptoms. Left unchecked, such problems can spiral toward things that reach a point of hopelessness. When a man faces crises (divorce, job loss, etc.) that he perceives as threatening his male-ness, he is more likely to choose self-harm.

Here are a few more factors to keep in mind:

• Economic downturns and inequality make it increasingly harder for men to find employment
• Modern-day culture wars can end up demonizing white males
• Men, in general, die earlier than women of the top causes of death and this may result in settling for the only “control” they can feel: being the one who decides when it’s over

Red Flags to Watch For

People who are considering a suicide attempt very often give warning signs. These include:

• Talking openly about having no reason to live
• Social isolation and withdrawal
• Self-medication to an extreme degree
• Severe mood swings (especially depression)

Of course, signs like this do not automatically imply self-harm is imminent, but they do strongly suggest a conversation must be initiated ASAP.

Seeking and Getting the Help You Need and Deserve

There is plenty of public debate about “our way of life” but something must be done when so many are choosing death over it. No one needs any silent pandemics so, if you or someone you know needs it, I strongly urge you to contact me as soon as possible.