Overview
White men have the highest risk of suicide, notes MedlinePlus. Men are four times more likely to kill themselves than women, notes Women’s Health, because men use more violent means, such as guns or hanging. Men too often do not reach out for help when they are feeling suicidal. However, a man who is planning a suicide will give signs of his plan; someone just needs to notice them and take action to get him help.
Talk of Stress
Mention of extreme work or school stress may be a symptom of suicide. Many men do give clear signs before they take their lives. They may speak of feeling like they are not successful or speak of feeling overwhelmed by duties at work or in school.
Getting a Weapon
Obtaining a weapon or trying to get pills to be used in a suicide may be a sign of an upcoming suicide. Men often plan and take action to gather everything they need well before a suicide.
Loss
Divorce, death or other loss in life may lead a man to feel morose. If he does not reach out for help during a time of loss, this may be a sign that the future may hold a suicide. Reuters Health reports that “divorced or separated men are more than twice as likely to commit suicide as men who remain married.”
Ignoring Trauma
Ignoring trauma, such as prior sexual or emotional abuse, or an experience with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be a sign of a possible suicide. Some men do not like to talk to a therapist or to friends or family about issues that may bother them. They let their emotions and the stress from the incident become overwhelming; eventually, this may lead to suicide. Many men who were abused early in life may feel suicidal. Also, many men come back from war grappling with issues related to trauma; this may raise the risk of suicide, too.
Talk of Depression and Suicide
Talking about depression and statements about suicide are major symptoms of a possible suicide. Major depression is a complex medical issue; when this illness strike men may have thoughts of death, a lack of hope, lack of energy and sadness, notes the National Institute of Mental Health.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a way some men try to find respite from the emotional pain of thoughts of suicide. Instead of reaching out for help, men may hide their feelings of depression by drinking heavily and abusing drugs. A sudden interest in drugs and alcohol may be a sign of impending suicide.
Recklessness
Recklessness is common among men with thoughts of suicide, notes the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Reckless driving and out-of-control behavior at work or in relationships may be a sign of suicidal thoughts. If a man is not planning on a future, it may become easier for him to engage in risky behavior.
Social Withdrawal
Another sign of possible suicide in men is social withdrawal. Men who start to isolate themselves from friends, significant others and family may be displaying symptoms of an upcoming suicide. The emotional pain a man feels when he is contemplating suicide may make it difficult for him to interact with others.
Giving Away Belongings
A man may give away treasured items if he is contemplating suicide. Friends or family members who notice that a man is clearing out his important belongings need to quickly communicate with him about why he is distributing items he would normally keep using. If he is vague in the answer they should reach out to a doctor or therapist for help in assessing the situation. They may call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at (800) 273-8255.
www.livestrong.com
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