why do more guys kill themselves?

[Holden Caulfield]

Suicide Rates per 100,000 people:

France
Male: 26.1
Female: 9.4

Germany
Male: 20.2
Female: 7.3

Japan
Male: 36.5
Female: 14.1

Russia
Male: 70.6
Female: 11.9

Spain
Male: 12.4
Female: 4

UK
Male: 11.8
Female: 3.3

USA
Male: 17.6
Female: 4.1

[Kukulofori]

My theory is that women are allowed to talk about their emotions so they get better, or at least have someone to talk to. Guys have no such luxury.

[scarletghoul]

males are generally more inteligent so they get more depressions females dont really have feelings

[RedAnarchist]

males are generally more inteligent so they get more depressions females dont really have feelings

Being sarcastic?

[Led Zeppelin]

Because they can't get girls.

[black magick hustla]

males are generally more inteligent so they get more depressions females dont really have feelings

this is a good troll but dont troll the mainboards please. consider this a verbal warning. troll the fuck out of chitchat if you want

[Pogue]

Males notoriously are meant to be bad at expressing feelings and admitting when they're down - also maybe what is expected of men in our sexist society means theres more pressure on them, and this combined with our stigma about discussing emotions leads to suicide? Maybe theres also a bigger drug culture with males due to societal stigma so they get depressed from that?

I'm not saying any of this is true and obviously you'd need facts, just generating some ideas. I might mention this to some of my fellow sociologists.

[ChocolateToothpaste]

I heard somewhere that the statistical gap is usually because females are more reluctant to use violent methods, and end up failing in their suicide attempts more often. I don't know how much truth there is to that, but it seems likely enough I suppose.

[Mujer Libre]

I heard somewhere that the statistical gap is usually because females are more reluctant to use violent methods, and end up failing in their suicide attempts more often. I don't know how much truth there is to that, but it seems likely enough I suppose.

I think that's pretty much true- especially when you look at the ages when women are more likely to attempt suicide (in their teens and 20's) compared to men, who are more likely to be older. The former are more likely to be impulsive, poorly planned attempts without the real intention to die, whereas older people tend to more 'successfully' suicide.

I think the age thing definitely sheds light on the 'why.' We're talking about older men who have trouble expressing emotions, asking for help and who feel like failures for having depression. It's also important to factor in the long-term impact of the incredibly high rates of suicide among patients with the psychotic disorders- the majority of whom are men.

[Killfacer]

where did you get these statistics from, just out of interest?

[Sean]

where did you get these statistics from, just out of interest?
They are the WHO figures. Source (http://www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/suicide_rates/en/index.html).

[Hiero]

I tend to agree with the method theory, at least that is what I have heard. Another thing in that case to look at is violent imagary in male culture.

[TC]

i think its most likely a combination of a number of factors rather than any one reason.

[alpharowe3]

Males usually shot themselves in the mouth or hang themselves... no chance to back out & a high success rate... females? slit wrists & pop pills they have time to second guess & their methods have a lower success rate...

[Holden Caulfield]

because their girlfriends find new love at uni
:(

[Rascolnikova]

I think part of it is that women care more about how they look after they're dead.

For women there's also a strong emphasis on selflessness, which would reduce suicide both from the guilt-trip angle and because it means they're more likely to become really engaged in a community, which is a preventative factor with severe depression.

[Holden Caulfield]

I've come to my own conclusions, guys don't talk about feelings so they don't learn 'how' to talk about things when then happen, so when shit hits the fan the girl can have an almost automatic support structure but guys have nothing but 'you alright mate' and heavy drinking,

and something in the way bu Nirvana on repeat

[Rascolnikova]

I've come to my own conclusions, guys don't talk about feelings so they don't learn 'how' to talk about things when then happen, so when shit hits the fan the girl can have an almost automatic support structure but guys have nothing but 'you alright mate' and heavy drinking,

and something in the way bu Nirvana on repeat

I would like to fucking see my automatic support structure materialize.

[#FF0000]

I know in the U.S., males generally use firearms in suicide attempts, while females are more apt to use pills or something like that. I don't know if the same is true for the rest of the world, however.

[Liche]

because Girls generally cut themselves where as guys go to more extremes (such as hanging). and the point of cutting is actually not to kill yourself but rather give yourself pain (the idea to guys is unappealing because its mostly done by females).

[alpharowe3]

For a real answer we need objective statistics...

Seriously... less subjective material please...

[Lynx]

Part method, part behavior, part sociological, and those Russian stats should be double-checked.

[Dimentio]

I tend to believe that it is the fact that guys are less talkative, or rather raised up by society to be like that.

I think it also varies between time. For example, in medieval Europe, it seems like suicides were quite usual amongst females, at least in the upper classes.

Is there any connection between social class and suicide rates?

[StalinFanboy]

Part method, part behavior, part sociological, and those Russian stats should be double-checked.
I'd probably kill myself if I had to live in Russia. Fuck that noise.


I think the reason has been hit on the head more than once. Men who cry or show more than two emotions are generally looked down upon or ridiculed.

[Dhul Fiqar]

The research I have read confirms the methodology theory, to a degree. Males attempt suicide far less often than women, but succeed at a rate that puts them well ahead in number of actual suicides.

[Sean]

The research I have read confirms the methodology theory, to a degree. Males attempt suicide far less often than women, but succeed at a rate that puts them well ahead in number of actual suicides.You may be confusing parasuicides with attempted suicides.
EDIT: To clarify I mean unsuccessful suicide attempts as opposed to "cries for help" (I hate that term).

[Guerrilla22]

this comes up in sociology classes fairly often. I attribute it to the way people are socialized. Men are raised to believe they are supposed to extremly successful and are considered to be failures when they fail to be the chief bread winner in the family or just are unable to obtain success altogether. they also are socialized to believe that it is not okay to discuss your feelings or to get help because it shows signs of weakness.

[synthesis]

More guys kill other people, it's not surprising that more guys kill themselves.

Ending a life, whether that of others or your own, is usually a male thing. It's just a simple solution to complicated problems.

[butterfly]

this comes up in sociology classes fairly often. I attribute it to the way people are socialized. Men are raised to believe they are supposed to extremly successful and are considered to be failures when they fail to be the chief bread winner in the family or just are unable to obtain success altogether. they also are socialized to believe that it is not okay to discuss your feelings or to get help because it shows signs of weakness.
I would agree, gender roles play a significant part in that a man, as the primary 'provider', in a relationship, would find it difficult to seek help and would tend to consider perceived weakness more so than women.
However methodology would add to the statistical significance.
If it was divided by age groups than the teenage suicide rate of girls would be higher than boys. (I'll find a link for that)

Just some interesting facts;
. Childeren living in poverty are three times more likely to suffer from some kind of mental illness, than childeren from wealthy families. http://www.ecpc.org.uk (http://www.ecpc.org.uk/)

. More people die each year from suicide than in all the world's armed conflicts.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets.suifacts.htm

[Dhul Fiqar]

More guys kill other people, it's not surprising that more guys kill themselves.

Ending a life, whether that of others or your own, is usually a male thing. It's just a simple solution to complicated problems
So men are simple? That's quite a bit of casual sexism ;)

--- G.

[Rascolnikova]

I would agree, gender roles play a significant part in that a man, as the primary 'provider', in a relationship, would find it difficult to seek help and would tend to consider perceived weakness more so than women.
However methodology would add to the statistical significance.
If it was divided by age groups than the teenage suicide rate of girls would be higher than boys. (I'll find a link for that)

Just some interesting facts;
. Childeren living in poverty are three times more likely to suffer from some kind of mental illness, than childeren from wealthy families. http://www.ecpc.org.uk (http://www.ecpc.org.uk/)

. More people die each year from suicide than in all the world's armed conflicts.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets.suifacts.htm

Excellent point. (I hate to make "du, I agree" posts like this, but it wouldn't let me rep you and it really is a very good point.)

[RedAnarchist]

(the idea to guys is unappealing because its mostly done by females).

No, otherwise men would never do anything that is mostly done by females in society.

[synthesis]

So men are simple? That's quite a bit of casual sexism ;)

--- G.

Nope, murder and suicide are simple actions for complicated people. Men are complicated, just like women, but usually in different ways.

In turn, taking a life (or lives) in general is a "male thing," whether you want to blame that on biology, social constructions, or a mixture of both.

Welcome back, by the way. I remember you used to tell awesome stories about contract rapists.

[progressive_lefty]

I was told that the male struggle for masculinity is the biggest cause of depression, and judging by everyones posts, it seems as though everyone else is thinking along the same lines. I think it definetly is tough being a guy, given the lack of emphasis put on what it means to be a man in todays society. Maybe it would be fair to say we're no longer brought up with a tough childhood like previous generations?

I think in terms of myself, doing things like boxing, martial arts and working out, is a good way of connecting with my own masculinity and feeling as though I can not just look after myself, but after someone I may love. If thats relevant.

I know in Australia, depression is a big problem outside of urban centres. Me personally, I know that growing up in a small town, where everyone knows everything about you, can be a massive spark for depression. Myabe this is related? bit old but anyway : link (http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200610/s1771783.htm)

[Rascolnikova]

I was told that the male struggle for masculinity is the biggest cause of depression, and judging by everyones posts, it seems as though everyone else is thinking along the same lines. I think it definetly is tough being a guy, given the lack of emphasis put on what it means to be a man in todays society. Maybe it would be fair to say we're no longer brought up with a tough childhood like previous generations?

I think in terms of myself, doing things like boxing, martial arts and working out, is a good way of connecting with my own masculinity and feeling as though I can not just look after myself, but after someone I may love. If thats relevant.

I know in Australia, depression is a big problem outside of urban centres. Me personally, I know that growing up in a small town, where everyone knows everything about you, can be a massive spark for depression. Myabe this is related? bit old but anyway : link (http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200610/s1771783.htm)

I believe women are actually at higher risk for non-lethal depression.

[Post-Something]

In a truly communist style response: Men work more than women. Men are usually expected to take care of the financial side of things, etc. So they get all worked up about it. Plain and simple.

In fact, during the US fetishism over Functionalism in the 1950's, when women were feeling depressed and suicidal because they had nothing to do trapped at home all day, they complained to their doctors. It was becomming a phenomenon, and GP's were ordered to administer tranquillizers in order to keep them in the house!

[Rascolnikova]

In a truly communist style response: Men work more than women. Men are usually expected to take care of the financial side of things, etc. So they get all worked up about it. Plain and simple.

In fact, during the US fetishism over Functionalism in the 1950's, when women were feeling depressed and suicidal because they had nothing to do trapped at home all day, they complained to their doctors. It was becomming a phenomenon, and GP's were ordered to administer tranquillizers in order to keep them in the house!

I don't think men do work more than women.

I think they are employed more than women, which means they get paid more money/at all for the work they do. . .

and my statement stands; I'm fairly sure, at least in the US, that the non-lethal depression rate is higher for women.

[Post-Something]

I don't think men do work more than women.

I think they are employed more than women, which means they get paid more money/at all for the work they do. . .

Meh, you know that's what I meant to say.

Anyway, depression rates and suicide rates don't seem to correllate after a brief glance...

[Devrim]

There are undoubtedly various reasons some of which are physiological, some of which are social. One thing with a proven statistical influence on suicides is serotonin, and men and woman have different levels.

Devrim

[Rascolnikova]

There are undoubtedly various reasons some of which are physiological, some of which are social. One thing with a proven statistical influence on suicides is serotonin, and men and woman have different levels.

Devrim


Though, it's not clear how this works out.

This is why SSRI's (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) are the primary class of anti-depressants currently in use. . . and it could have something to do with why some anti-depressants have been shown to cause decreased depression, but increased suicide, on average. I know this has been shown very clearly with children and young adults, not sure about the other ages.

this is a case for Science. :D

somebody should get on that. :)

[Devrim]

this is a case for Science. :D

somebody should get on that. :)

My wife is on the case.

Devrim

[Rascolnikova]

My wife is on the case.

Devrim

Good for her. :)

[Lynx]

In a stressful world, coping skills are required. Is there a gender difference with regard to coping skills?

[Dhul Fiqar]

Nope, murder and suicide are simple actions for complicated people. Men are complicated, just like women, but usually in different ways.

In turn, taking a life (or lives) in general is a "male thing," whether you want to blame that on biology, social constructions, or a mixture of both.

Welcome back, by the way. I remember you used to tell awesome stories about contract rapists.

Haha, I can't believe that old story about the underworld gay rape contractor came back to haunt me within days of me returning to semi-regular posting. I think both of the perpetrators in that unfortunate case are either dead or in Denmark. At least one of them probably should be.

With regards,

G.

[gorillafuck]

this comes up in sociology classes fairly often. I attribute it to the way people are socialized. Men are raised to believe they are supposed to extremly successful and are considered to be failures when they fail to be the chief bread winner in the family or just are unable to obtain success altogether. they also are socialized to believe that it is not okay to discuss your feelings or to get help because it shows signs of weakness.
Hit the nail on the head.

[casper]

i've heard girls attempt suicide more. however, guys use more effective means.
i've imagine the reasons for suicide are the same.

[ev]

I read that biologically men are more muscular than women, this was a result of evolution which created a hierarchy where, because men were physically superior they would achieve a higher level of social importance in the group.
I'm not sure about that. But it would make sense that a social hierarchy or culture of hierarchy (if the above hypothesis is not disproven) makes adult males feel the need to succeed socially and not discuss their feelings, feel pressured of having to succeed, feel that social emphasis & importance is placed on succeeding etc. In the end this is just too much for some which due to the incompatibility with the socioeconomic structure that they live in and culture that has arisen from that socioeconomic strucuture. (Of course I understand there are numerous other factors that I have not included such as clinical depression and different cultures but it's worth open speculation)

[Azraelscross]

Though, it's not clear how this works out.

This is why SSRI's (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) are the primary class of anti-depressants currently in use. . . and it could have something to do with why some anti-depressants have been shown to cause decreased depression, but increased suicide, on average. I know this has been shown very clearly with children and young adults, not sure about the other ages.

this is a case for Science. :D

somebody should get on that. :)
as a small addition i usually hear that people become happy and seem to pull themselves out for a few weeks and then *poof* they kill themselves. Almost as if they become sure of it and actually come to look forward to that