A psychologist suggests five ways for men to open up and talk about suicide

Men around the world have a huge burden to not show their emotions because “real men don’t cry.” However, this dangerous precedent has become one of the main reasons why men believe that the only acceptable way to deal with emotions is to hide them.

According to a 2023 Cleveland Clinic survey, 44 percent of men believe they lead a healthy lifestyle, but they don’t prioritize their mental health. And a whopping 65 percent of men were hesitant to seek professional help for mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and depression while dealing with suicidal thoughts.

Men’s mental health issues often go undiagnosed due to the widespread stigma surrounding suicide. Statistics indicate that in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, approximately 75 percent of suicide deaths are men. That’s why it’s important to not only talk about it freely, but also take care of your mental health, whether you’re a man new to feeling your feelings or ready to dig deeper.

Tips for men to validate their emotions and open up about suicidal thoughts

Talk about your feelings openly

It is difficult for men to admit that they have mental health problems, or, more precisely, suicidal thoughts. However, according to experts, this should not be a reason to panic. Rather, one should be patient and talk to someone they trust. Psychologists say that it is important to talk about feelings, even if the problem is not resolved immediately.

It is important to point out the problem if a person predicts their dark thoughts or considers self-harm.

Recognizing the warning signs

As a man, you may not always realize that you are going through a difficult time, as most men are not used to taking care of their mental health; however, these concerns do not always present themselves as very direct feelings of sadness or stress. It is important to look out for other signs:

According to experts, if you’ve been trying to talk a man into opening up for a while and haven’t had any success, don’t give up just yet. Men are good at hiding their feelings, so constant dialogue is important.

Try doing it from different angles, whether it’s while kicking a ball in the park, while having a drink, or while cooking dinner.

Prioritize friendships

Nurturing relationships is key to building a strong support system. Men often put more emphasis on their work and are unable to balance their relationships. That’s why experts say they should spend more time with their friends and family, who can help improve mental health.

According to studies, those who have friends they can trust are more satisfied with their lives and less likely to suffer from depression.

Don’t live in isolation

Psychologists cite examples of many famous men who committed suicide and who were alone at the time of making the decision. According to a study conducted by Columbia University, in the months following the death by suicide of actor Robin Williams in 2014, there was a ten percent increase in suicides in the United States.

Men aged 30 to 44 were particularly affected.

Most of the time, there is no single event or factor that leads someone to take their own life. That’s why being around people can help you overcome the problem instantly and feel happy.