COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – Men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, according to statistics, and men account for nearly 80% of all suicide deaths.
June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and mental health professionals say signs of struggling with mental health or living with depression show up differently between women and men.
Alexandria Hicks, a Columbus police officer, has seen what happens when men suffer in silence. The daughter of a veteran living with PTSD, Hicks said her hometown of Smiths Station has been hit hard since 2020.
“Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem,” Hicks said. “You might feel like you have no friends or family, but there is somebody out there that wants to hear you. Just let the sun come up tomorrow.”
Hicks holds a sign on a busy street that reads, “If you’re looking for a sign to not kill yourself — this is it.”
“With the boldness of that message, it’s kind of shock value for people driving by,” Hicks said. “The message is clear as day. If you’re looking for a reason to stay — this is your sign.”
Expectations for men can be deadly
Hicks said expectations for men to be tough and emotionless can be deadly.
“Men are roughly four times more likely to die from suicide and account for nearly 80% of all suicide deaths,” Hicks said. “The stigma needs to change and the conversation needs to start.”
Licensed specialist Dr. Jaketra Bryant said many men never make it into her office.
“We don’t have a lot of men receiving services,” Bryant said. “And it gets even worse if you’re a man of color or an older man. But you can’t really be a provider or hold a job if you don’t have healthier thinking and healthier responses.”
Bryant said male depression often looks different.
“For males, it’s very least likely the person has been crying,” Bryant said. “You’ll see the guy who looks fine — busy, maybe drinking alone at the bar, staying occupied to avoid what’s going on. To the average eye, they’re fine — but no.”
Bryant said while more men are starting to seek professional help, she encourages everyone to look within themselves and listen to their bodies.
How to help
If you’re worried about a man in your life, Bryant said to ask directly and offer to go with him to get help.
“Don’t say ‘get over it,’” Bryant said. “Say, ‘Hey, I can go with you. I can sit outside if that helps.’ Just letting him know he’s not stuck with all of this by himself.”
More isolation, heavy drinking or constant busyness can all be red flags. Even one honest conversation could be the sign someone needs to stay.
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