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James Donaldson on Mental Health – Why Men’s Suicide Rates are Alarmingly High
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James Donaldson on Mental Health – Why Men’s Suicide Rates are Alarmingly High
Suicide rates among men have reached critical levels, driven by a complex interplay of psychological, social, and biological factors.
Suicide in men has been described as a “silent epidemic,” and for good reason. Around the world, men are far more likely than women to take their own lives, with rates significantly higher across various age groups. In the United States, for instance, the age-adjusted suicide rate for men in 2014 was 20.7 per 100,000, compared to just 5.8 per 100,000 for women. This translates to a ratio of 3.57 to 1. The story is similar in other countries: in Germany, the UK, Hungary, and Lithuania, male suicide rates are all more than three times greater than those of women.
What makes these statistics particularly alarming is that the suicide rates in men have been steadily increasing. From 1999 to 2014, the overall rate for men of all ages in the US increased by a staggering 43% for those aged 45-64 and by 37% for boys aged 10-14. This trend underscores the necessity of understanding the myriad factors contributing to this public health crisis.
This article delves into the complex interplay of psychological, social, and biological factors contributing to the high suicide rates in men. It sheds light on the importance of an integrated approach in tackling this issue, involving individual, societal, and policy-level interventions.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
The phenomenon of male suicide is multi-faceted. A lack of help-seeking behavior, work-related stress, impulsivity, substance abuse, and relationship breakdowns are among the many psychosocial contributors. Moreover, biological factors such as hormonal imbalances and genetic predispositions play significant roles.
One key issue is that men are significantly less likely to seek help for mental health concerns compared to women. Men often perceive needing help as a sign of weakness or failure, which deters them from utilizing available mental health resources. This reluctance is deeply embedded in societal norms that emphasize masculine ideals of self-reliance and emotional stoicism.
Dr. Leo Sher, the author of the study and a psychiatrist at the James J. Peters Veterans’ Administration Medical Center in New York, remarks, “The problem of suicide in men is underappreciated and understudied. Current measures to reduce suicidality in men are either insufficient, or incorrect, or both.” It’s clear that more targeted efforts are needed to address the unique challenges men face when it comes to mental health.
Delving into the Methods
The research conducted by Dr. Sher and his colleagues utilized a variety of methods to understand the underlying factors contributing to male suicidality. They conducted systematic reviews of existing literature, analyzed national and international suicide statistics, and examined psychosocial and biological data relevant to men’s mental health.
One of the key methodological approaches was the use of comparative analysis. By comparing suicide rates between men and women across different countries and age groups, the researchers were able to identify patterns and outliers, providing insight into potential causes and risk factors. This comparative approach helped illuminate the specific vulnerabilities faced by men.
Another important aspect of the methodology was the inclusion of longitudinal data. By examining changes in suicide rates over time, the researchers could identify trends and determine whether interventions had been effective. This long-term perspective is crucial for understanding how societal changes, economic fluctuations, and policy shifts impact mental health outcomes.
Psychosocial Factors
Psychosocial factors play a significant role in the high rates of male suicide. Work-related stress, for example, is more likely to affect men than women, given societal expectations around men being the primary breadwinners. Loss of employment or financial instability can have devastating consequences on men’s mental well-being. Similarly, relationship breakdowns, such as divorce or separation, disproportionately affect men, who are more likely to experience isolation and loss of social support in the aftermath.
Substance abuse is another critical factor. Men are more likely than women to engage in risky behaviors involving alcohol and drugs. These substances can exacerbate mental health issues, leading to increased impulsivity and higher rates of suicide. Dr. Sher notes, “Men are more impulsive and aggressive than women and use more alcohol and drugs of abuse. Divorced and separated men are significantly more likely to kill themselves than their married counterparts.”
Furthermore, impulsivity and a tendency to use highly lethal means of suicide, such as firearms or hanging, contribute to the higher fatality rates among men. These methods leave little room for intervention and increase the likelihood of successful suicide attempts.
Biological and Neurobiological Factors
While psychosocial factors are significant, biological and neurobiological aspects cannot be ignored. Androgens, including testosterone, have been implicated in mood disorders and suicidal behavior. Both high and low levels of testosterone can contribute to mental health issues, highlighting the need for a nuanced approach to understanding hormonal influences.
The complex interaction between genetic predispositions and environmental stressors also plays a role. Familial history of suicide, mental health disorders, and specific genetic markers can increase the risk of suicidality. Understanding these genetic and biological underpinnings is crucial for developing targeted interventions and personalized treatment plans.
Societal Norms and Help-Seeking Behavior
One of the most significant barriers to addressing male suicide is societal norms around masculinity. Traditional masculine ideals emphasize strength, self-reliance, and emotional restraint, which discourage men from seeking help for mental health concerns. This stigma around help-seeking behavior can delay or prevent men from receiving the support they need.
Moreover, mental health services and interventions are often not tailored to men’s unique needs. Dr. Sher suggests that lowering the threshold for diagnosing and treating major depression in men could be beneficial, but notes that further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of this approach in reducing suicidal behavior.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite the valuable insights provided by this research, there are several challenges and limitations to consider. One major challenge is the variability in data sources and reporting practices across different countries, which can affect the accuracy and comparability of suicide statistics. Furthermore, the observational nature of this study limits the ability to draw causal inferences.
Another limitation is the potential for underreporting of male suicides, as some deaths may be classified as accidents or misattributed to other causes. This underreporting can skew the data and hinder our understanding of the true extent of the issue.
To mitigate these limitations, future research should focus on harmonizing data collection practices and developing standardized criteria for reporting and classifying suicides. Additionally, more in-depth studies are needed to explore the causal relationships between various risk factors and male suicidality.
Future Research Directions
Looking ahead, there are several promising avenues for future research on male suicide. One area of interest is the development of early interventions for adolescent boys and young men. By addressing mental health issues early on, it may be possible to reduce the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity and suicidality in adulthood.
Research should also explore the effectiveness of population-based approaches to suicide prevention. Dr. Sher suggests reallocating resources from individuals deemed at high risk to a broader population-level strategy, which could potentially lower overall suicide rates.
Moreover, interdisciplinary approaches that integrate psychological, social, and biological perspectives are essential for developing comprehensive interventions. Collaboration between mental health professionals, policymakers, and researchers can lead to more effective strategies for reducing male suicidality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the high rates of male suicide represent a complex and multifaceted public health challenge. Understanding the interplay between psychosocial, biological, and societal factors is crucial for developing effective interventions. By addressing societal norms around masculinity, improving access to mental health services, and conducting targeted research, it is possible to make significant strides in reducing male suicidality. As Dr. Sher emphasizes, “Public health awareness of differences in suicidal behavior and mental health between men and women needs to be improved.” Only through a concerted effort can we hope to address this silent epidemic and save lives.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
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