Preventing Suicide in Men

There is a stigma that exists around men’s mental health that may prevent them from seeking help when they are having suicidal thoughts. Some men may not feel comfortable talking about their feelings and need extra support to manage these life events. Men may experience suicidal thoughts after experiencing a job loss, relationship loss, or any other traumatic event. These resources below can help men, and people that care for them, learn more about their suicidal thoughts and how to improve their mental well-being. Understanding how men deal with suicidal thoughts will help us develop supports and programs that promote their well-being.

Men’s Helpline is resource for adult men who have concerns about their well-being, safety, safety of others and/or who may be experiencing a crisis. This free, confidential service will be offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. By calling 211, men can access a variety of supports and services that are specific to their needs, including information, navigation, referrals, and brief intervention counselling.

Men And Suicide Fact Sheet

This quick fact sheet outlines why men are at risk for suicide, what warning signs look like, what can reduce risk, and what we can all to do help reduce suicide among men.

Preventing Suicide Among Men in the Middle Years: Recommendations For Suicide Prevention Programs

Preventing Suicide among Men in the Middle Years: Recommendations for Suicide Prevention Programs is the final report of a project that explored the causes of suicide among men ages 35–64 in the United States as well as what can be done to alleviate the toll that suicide takes on these men and their families, friends, and communities.

The Grouchy Old Men Project

This guide aims briefly to summarizes the existing research and expertise on how services can best meet the needs of older men, and help reduce their risk of isolation, depression and possible suicide. It contains suggestions of good practice rather than hard and fast rules, and all guidance will need to be interpreted in the context of your local communities. 

Men And Suicide

This resource is an introduction to men and suicide. You’ll learn about statistics, warning signs, why men are more at risk, and how suicide can be prevented. You’ll also learn how to have a conversation with someone you’re worried about. If you know someone who is thinking about suicide, or if you’re thinking about suicide, call your local crisis line. In Canada, call 1-833-456-4566.

Men And Suicide: A High-Risk Population 

Topics included in this 11 page toolkit: A brief overview of the tragic statistics pertaining to men and suicide. Warning Signs Signs that may indicate suicidal ideation in men. Risk Factors Those factors in a man’s life that may put him at higher risk of suicide. Protective Factors Those factors in a man’s life that can help protect him from the risk of suicide. Links that provide additional information about men and suicide. Programs available for men in need of assistance and general suicide prevention programs. Psychologists try to get men to open up, get help Quotes from psychologists trying to help men deal with depression.  Recommended Reading Recommended literature about men and suicide, available at the Centre for Suicide Prevention’s library.

Workplace And Suicide Prevention

The workplace is a major part of the lives of most Canadians. Many of us spend upwards of 60% of our waking hours at work. Therefore, when a colleague dies by suicide the emotional and financial costs are enormous not only to family members, but to co-workers and the organization itself. Workplaces need to have measures in place to inform and educate about suicide. It is an issue that cannot be ignored. This resource is a collection of facts, figures, and best preventative practices regarding suicide in the workplace.

Anxiety Canada

Established in 1999, Anxiety Canada is a registered charity and non-profit organization created to raise awareness about anxiety and support access to proven resources and treatment. They offer services and programs Canadians can trust, including the award-winning free MindShift™ CBT app, helpful online courses: My Anxiety Plans (MAPs), and online group therapy program: MindShiftt™ CBT Groups. Their passionate and dedicated team is supported by coast-to-coast volunteers who bring expertise and lived experience with anxiety.

Buddy Up

Buddy Up is a men’s suicide prevention communications campaign: a call to action to men, by men, to drive authentic conversation amongst men and their buddies. This is suicide prevention. Participate in the campaign year-round, completing activities that promote connection and wellbeing. Check out their website to learn more about male suicide and for more resources.

Heads Up Guys

There are many misconceptions about depression that make it difficult for men to talk to others and take charge of their health. Heads Up Guys wants to show all of you men struggling with depression that you are not alone! Click on the provided link to be instantly taken to a website full of resources, including a Find A Therapist section, a symptom check page, suicide prevention information and more.

Movember Foundation

The only charity tackling men’s health on a global scale, year round. Addressing some of the biggest health issues faced by men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention.

The Men’s Depression And Suicide Network

The Men’s Depression and Suicide Network (MD&S-Net) comprises 5 projects dedicated to developing, implementing, and formally evaluating a suite of innovative men-centred, face-to-face and online technology interventions.

The Men’s Health Research Program – University of British Columbia

The Men’s Health Research Program at UBC focuses on masculinities as it influences men’s health behaviours and illness management, and its impact on partners, families, and overall life quality. Findings from their research inform men’s health interventions and offer guidance to clinicians and researchers to advance men’s health and wellness promotion. They post about programs for men in need of help, resources, and study results that can easily be accessed on their website. You can also follow them on social media to stay up to date on their latest stories and news!

The “Male Menopause”

Check out this quick article to learn all about the symptoms of the male menopause and what you can do if you or someone you love are experiencing it.

Understanding The Male Menopause And Mental Health

You’ve probably heard of the menopause in women, but did you know men go through a similar hormonal change as they age? The male menopause, or andropause, is often triggered when men reach their 40s. In this guide, they discuss all aspects of the male menopause. From spotting the early signs, to finding out what you can do to alleviate the symptoms, find out what you can do to tackle the challenges of the andropause.

A Scoping Review of Male Suicide Research in Canada

In terms of tailoring to sub-populations, with the exception of maternal health, public health in Canada has remained gender neutral (i.e., vaccination, tobacco control, infectious disease control, etc.). This trend extends to suicide research and prevention. Despite consistent evidence that males die by suicide at 3 times the rate of females, boys and men have not featured as an “at risk” group nor have they been targeted with tailored suicide prevention efforts. This study addresses the research question: Among male subgroups featured in Canadian suicide research, what are the key findings to inform suicide prevention efforts? The results confirm that male suicidality and suicide risks associated with health inequities, age, and occupation.

Mental Health And Suicide Prevention In Men: An Evidence Brief

This brief offers an overview of emerging research on men’s mental health with a particular focus on
suicide and its prevention in the Canadian context. It provides statistics on men’s mental health and
suicidal behaviours, factors that contribute to their increased risk of suicide and suicide deaths,
subgroups who are at higher risk of suicide, and the potential and observed impact of the COVID-19
pandemic on men’s mental health and suicide. The brief also highlights best and promising suicide
prevention practices. It is intended for individuals and organizations working in the health, mental
health, and suicide prevention sectors and those developing or delivering supports and resources to
men.

Suicide Prevention in Men Determinants And Prevention in Australia 

The present report aims to investigate the phenomenon of suicidal behaviour in men. The report presents current research on the factors behind male vulnerability to suicide, how male suicides can be prevented, and activities currently undertaken that aim to reduce suicidal behaviours, with a focus on Australian males.

The Role of Masculinity in the Suicidality of Men Aged 80 or More

Are old guys really invincible? The presentation explores study that looked at determining the role of masculinity and other health and life factors in the suicidality of men as they approach the at-risk age of 85 years or more and to inform suicide prevention efforts. It presents statistics, risk factors, behaviours, why suicide is so high among men, interventions, and provides insight on the experience of male suicide.