Suicide: Why Men Are More Likely to Take Their Own Lives

A stark statistical reality reveals that men are far more likely to die by suicide than women, a trend observed globally and particularly highlighted in Kenya. Research in Kenya suggests that for every woman who dies by suicide, three men do. This disparity is attributed to a complex interplay of societal pressures, a reluctance among men to seek help for mental health issues, the tendency to conceal problems, relationship breakdowns, and the struggle to meet personal and societal expectations within a patriarchal framework.

Data from Kenya's Daily Nation in September 2023 indicated that in 2019, 9.2% of suicide deaths among men were by hanging, compared to 3.2% among women. Globally, an estimated 700,000 suicides occur annually, with men accounting for 12.6% of deaths per 100,000 population, versus 5.4% for women. Countries like South Korea, Lesotho, and Lithuania reportedly have high male suicide rates, often affecting married men.

The article delves into the damaging effects of verbal abuse and discouraging remarks directed at men. Phrases like "you are a useless husband" or questioning their masculinity can be particularly harmful, especially given how men are often socialized to see themselves as winners within a patriarchal system. The piece questions why women might express regret over marrying a man they deem inadequate, and why men might conceal their true financial situations, potentially leading to unmeetable demands from partners.

It argues that societal expectations place immense pressure on men as providers and authority figures. When men fail to meet these expectations, or when their financial realities don't align with their partners' desires, it can lead to immense distress. The article suggests that by hiding their income, men may inadvertently contribute to their own psychological suffering, as their partners may make demands they cannot fulfill, creating a cycle of stress and despair. The piece calls for a deeper understanding of the unique challenges men face in navigating societal roles and mental well-being.