Men’s mental health issues often go unnoticed or remain undiagnosed, partly due to widespread stigma and misunderstandings about suicide. Additionally, suicides are frequently recorded inaccurately or misclassified as accidental injuries, which likely leads to an underestimation of the true impact of suicide on men, their families, and communities.
It is vital to choose our words carefully when discussing suicide. Instead of using phrases like “commit suicide” or “kill themselves,” we should refer to these incidents as “deaths by suicide.” Such language matters because terms like “commit” and “kill” can carry negative connotations implying criminality or sinfulness, potentially discouraging men from seeking help. Our aim is to foster a more supportive environment that encourages those contemplating suicide to reach out for assistance without fear or shame.
Key Statistics About Suicide and Mental Health
Nearly 800,000 people die by suicide annually worldwide—that’s almost twice the number who die from homicide.
For each suicide death, there are approximately 20 attempts.
Each death leaves behind 7 to 10 individuals—family, friends, colleagues—who are directly affected.
Mental illness is the most significant risk factor, with over 90% of those who die by suicide experiencing mental health issues or addiction problems.
Up to 60% of suicide decedents are estimated to have suffered from major depression.
Understanding Why Men Have Higher Suicide Rates
Globally, men tend to have higher suicide rates than women, a difference caused by multiple factors. While men often choose more lethal methods—such as hanging or firearms—the way they attempt suicide does not fully explain the discrepancy, as men are usually more likely to die on their first attempt. Other contributing factors include substance abuse, severe mental health conditions, loneliness, and feelings of shame. Addressing these issues through targeted public health efforts is crucial to reducing male suicide rates.
What Percentage of Suicides Are Men?
In Canada, the United States, and the UK, approximately 75% of suicide deaths involve men.
Canada: Men account for about 75% of suicides, with around 8 men dying daily—approximately 3,000 annually.
UK: Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, with nearly 12 men each day, totaling around 4,200 per year.
USA: Men make up roughly 79% of suicides, with about 100 men dying every day—over 36,000 annually.
Suicide as a Leading Cause of Death Among Men Under 50
Canada: It is the second leading cause of death among men under 50.
UK: It represents the single largest cause of death for men under 50.
USA: It is the second leading cause of death for men under 45.
Help-Seeking Behaviors Among Men
Men are significantly less likely to seek help for mental health issues. A meta-analysis of 20 studies across North America and Europe found that only about 20% of men had contact with mental health professionals in the year before suicide, compared to 35% of women.
Canada: A 2005 survey showed men are 2.7 times less likely than women to use mental health services.
UK: Only 36% of NHS referrals for talk therapy are for men.
USA: Less than 40% of men, on average, sought mental health care in the year prior to suicide.
Prevalence of Suicidal Thoughts
Canada: In 2019, roughly 9% of men over 15 reported having seriously contemplated suicide during their lifetime.
UK: In 2014, about 5.4% of men over 16 said they had suicidal thoughts in the past year.
USA: In 2021, approximately 12.3 million adults experienced suicidal thoughts, with rates similar among men and women.