Examining White Male Suicide Rates

It may be a surprise to learn that in recent years, white males have accounted for the majority of suicide deaths. There are a variety of factors contributing to the elevated suicide rates amongst white men.

Anyone can be affected by severe depression and suicidal ideation. People of all backgrounds may feel like they are trapped in such difficult circumstances that suicide is the only way out. No group is immune to mental health struggles. However, it is notable that white males do have an increased risk of dying by suicide. Some have even compared this to a “pandemic.”

Understanding why this is occurring can help people reach out when they need support, or assist friends and relatives who might be dealing with these issues. Here are a few possible reasons why white men have the highest rates of suicide.

Striving for Unrealistic Expectations

There is no doubt that it has become much harder to find well-paying, long-term employment and gain financial stability today compared to previous generations. Men, in particular, might be feeling the weight of these difficult economic circumstances.

A man who is struggling to build a career that provides them with economic security may feel as though he doesn’t measure up to his father, grandfather, or other older relatives, who could buy a home and support a family on a single income. They might feel like they have “failed” if they’re unable to reach a certain level of financial success.

Shame Around Reaching Out for Help

Societal and cultural expectations around masculinity discourage men from reaching out for help when they desperately need it. Men are often taught that asking for help is a sign of weakness. They might have been told not to cry, or that they should “man up” instead of leaning on other people for support. If a boy internalizes these messages at a young age, he might be hesitant to share his struggles with anyone later in life, even his spouse or closest friends.

Men who feel ashamed when they consider reaching out for help are also less likely to seek therapy. They may not even entertain the idea or think of therapy as a real option. Furthermore, some men might only feel comfortable talking to a male therapist. There is a lack of male therapists with availability in many areas.

Lack of Social Support

Men are discouraged from being vulnerable. Therefore, they often do not have as many close bonds with other people as women do. The unwillingness to be vulnerable puts up a barrier to genuine friendship. Their “friends” may be more like acquaintances. Many adult men lack close friendships, especially in adulthood. When they are going through tough times, they might not be able to think of anyone who they really could turn to, even if they wanted to.

Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

What happens when you are suffering from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or another mental health condition, and you don’t feel like you can share your problems with anyone? Lots of men in this situation turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse or gambling to numb their emotions. These behaviors can contribute to increased risks of suicide.

Firearm Ownership

Finally, men who attempt suicide often turn to particularly dangerous methods. Men are more likely to own firearms than women, and simply having a firearm in one’s home can contribute to a higher risk of suicide.

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Are you struggling with suicidal thoughts and feel that you have nowhere to turn? Working with a therapist can help. Get in touch with us to learn more about scheduling your first session for depression counseling

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