User:JefferyTanner

Gender and Suicide

This article talked about the extensive research that has been done by Western Sociologist on gender and suicide. Men die much more often by means of suicide. Men are more likely to use effective violent means (guns, knives, hanging), while women use less severe methods such as overdosing or medication.

The article states that social stigma against male depression and lack of social networks of support and help with depression are often identified as key reasons for higher levels of suicide in men. Suicide is a "cry for help" but is not seen by men as an equally viable option.

Suicide rate per 100,000 males (left) and per 100,000 females (right) (data from 1978–2008)

  no data

  < 1

  1–5

  5–5.8

  5.8–8.5

  8.5–12

  12–19

  19–22.5

  22.5–26

  26–29.5

  29.5–33

  33–36.5

  >36.5

It's my belief that men have been taught that it is not okay to express true emotions. They are taught to be strong at all times, not showing weakness. Little boys are taught to be big boys by not crying and sucking it up. Now, we have men who are in the mindset that it is better to die than to show that I'm weak or that I need help.

According to the text for this class, mental health professionals cannot predict or prevent all client suicides, but can learn to recognize common crises that may precipitate a suicide attempt and reach out to people who are experiencing these crises. If suicide is detected, the text states that therapist have a duty to protect suicidal clients. Even if clients argue that they can do what they want with their own lives, including taking them, therapists have a legal duty to protect them.

Everyone has to make an effort to send the message to girls and boys alike that it is okay to express your true feelings. The same way things make us happy and cause us to smile, situations will come to make us cry and become sad. We all have to be free to express these natural emotions. Remember, that men are 3 to 4 times more likely to commit suicide than women. Let us evaluate ourselves to see if we are contributing to this problem and the ways we can help. Are you allowing the boys and men around you to express their true feelings and emotions? Do they feel comfortable talking about these true feelings and emotions with you?

United States suicide rates for white men, by Health Service Area, 1988–1992. This map and the map at right use the same color scale: note the large difference in rates between men and women. The regional patterns for men and women are similar, but not the same.

United States suicide rates for white women, by Health Service Area, 1988–1992.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_and_suicide

Corey, G., Corey, M., & Callanan, P. (2007). Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions (8th ed.). California: Brooks/Cole.