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Male suicide is a silent crisis with urgent implications for Reaching Men Where They Are
public health. In South Africa, suicide rates among men are
4.4 times higher than among women, with 11.5 suicides per What can be done to reduce suicide rates among men
100,000 people reported in 2020/21, this according to the in South Africa? Expanding access to evidence-based
SAMRC Burden of Disease Research Unit. This troubling treatments for emotional and substance use problems is
trend is not unique to South Africa; globally, male suicide key. However, the presence of services is only part of the
rates are disproportionately high. Yet, the underlying reasons solution. For prevention efforts to work, men need to feel
behind this gender disparity remain insufficiently explored.
comfortable seeking help, and this requires male-friendly
mental health services. Taking mental healthcare to spaces
The Hidden Drivers of Male Suicide
frequented by men, such as sports clubs, this could bridge
the gap. Integrating physical activity into mental health
One hypothesis for this gender divide in suicide rates
points to the methods typically employed. Men who treatment, an approach many men find more acceptable,
attempt suicide are more likely to choose violent methods, is another promising strategy.
such as hanging themselves or shooting themselves with a
firearm. Conversely, women tend to use less immediately Encouraging emotional expression is crucial. Men need
fatal methods, like self-poisoning or overdose, which allow support in learning to manage and communicate their
for greater opportunity for medical intervention and rescue. feelings in adaptive ways. This can help them build
resilience and prevent suicidal behaviour.
However, there’s more at play than just the methods used.
Cultural and social influences surrounding masculinity Building a Holistic Approach to Suicide
also seem to contribute significantly to this trend. SAMRC Prevention
research reveals that young men in South Africa often feel
bound by traditional ideals of masculinity. These ideals, Suicide prevention needs to be part of a broader, multi-
such as toughness, self-reliance, and an expectation to faceted strategy that tackles societal and systemic
endure hardships in silence can deter men from seeking contributors to male suicide. This includes strengthening
help for mental health struggles. As a result, they may turn mental health systems, fostering social connectedness,
to maladaptive coping strategies, including alcohol or promoting financial stability, and curbing substance
drug use, further escalating the risk of suicide. abuse. Restricting access to lethal means and providing
crisis intervention services can also make a measurable
Masculinity, Isolation, and Mental Health difference. Importantly, challenging traditional gender
roles in South Africa and promoting a culture that sees
Rigid gender norms and restrictive ideals about what it
mental health as a vital aspect of strength could empower
Breaking the masculinity often demands that men avoid vulnerability, men to seek help without stigma.
means to “be a man” place many men at risk. Traditional
endure suffering privately, and uphold a standard of
For those in immediate need, organisations like SADAG
emotional control and autonomy. This isolation can amplify
(www.sadag.org, 0800 567 567) and LifeLine (www.
feelings of shame, defeat, and hopelessness, which are
Silence: known drivers of suicidal behaviour. lifelinesa.co.za, 0861-322-322) are invaluable resources
offering support to those at risk. Suicide is preventable, and
effective treatments are available. Reaching out, staying
Importantly, a common misconception links suicides
connected, and cultivating supportive spaces can save lives.
exclusively to depression. While many people with
depression may have thoughts of death, not all those who
are depressed attempt suicide, and not everyone who Changing the outcomes produced by male suicide in
dies by suicide is depressed. In fact, rates of depression South Africa calls for bold, compassionate action across
Understanding and Preventing are higher among women, but suicide rates are markedly all sectors of society. By addressing the restrictive ideals
higher among men, pointing to the complex mix of factors of masculinity, providing accessible support systems, and
Male Suicide in South Africa that contribute to suicidal behaviour in men. Factors such reinforcing the message that asking for help is a strength,
we can work toward a future where fewer men feel that
as exposure to trauma, poverty, unemployment, poor
impulse control, substance use, and even gambling can ending their life is the only way out.
all increase the risk of suicide.

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18 THE SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCILTHE SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL THE COMMUNITY ISSUE 19