Why are suicides so high amongst men?
Three-quarters of all suicides involve men. Suicide is the biggest killer in men under 50 years of age, that’s higher than cancer, heart disease and road traffic accidents.
Each year across the UK, approximately 6,000 people take their own lives. While women are more likely to attempt suicide or be diagnosed with a mental health condition like depression, men account for around three-quarters of all suicides.
Suicide is a very complex and sensitive issue, with many factors combining to push someone to take such drastic action. It's a mistake to generalise across cases, but questions remain as to why the rate of suicide is so much higher in men. We look at some relevant statistics and research to explore some of the potential reasons behind the suicide gender gap.
Each year across the UK, approximately 6,000 people take their own lives. While women are more likely to attempt suicide or be diagnosed with a mental health condition like depression, men account for around three-quarters of all suicides.
Suicide is a very complex and sensitive issue, with many factors combining to push someone to take such drastic action. It's a mistake to generalise across cases, but questions remain as to why the rate of suicide is so much higher in men. We look at some relevant statistics and research to explore some of the potential reasons behind the suicide gender gap.
We want you to know you are NOT alone.
77% of men polled have suffered with common mental health symptoms like anxiety, stress or depression
40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health
29% of those who haven’t done so say they are “too embarrassed” to speak about it, while 20% say there is a “negative stigma” on the issue
The biggest cause of mental health issues in men’s lives are work (32%), their finances (31%) and their health (23%)
40% of men polled said it would take thoughts of suicide or self-harm to compel them to seek professional help*
40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health
29% of those who haven’t done so say they are “too embarrassed” to speak about it, while 20% say there is a “negative stigma” on the issue
The biggest cause of mental health issues in men’s lives are work (32%), their finances (31%) and their health (23%)
40% of men polled said it would take thoughts of suicide or self-harm to compel them to seek professional help*
Male suicide statistics
5,717 men took their own life in the UK in 2024 (source)
74% of all suicides in the UK involve men (source)
The rate of suicide in men (15.4 per 100,000) is over three times higher than in women (4.9 per 100,000) (source)
Men aged 45-64 have the highest rate of suicide by age (20 per 100,000) (source)
Suicide is the second biggest cause of death in young males (1-19 years old) (source)
74% of all suicides in the UK involve men (source)
The rate of suicide in men (15.4 per 100,000) is over three times higher than in women (4.9 per 100,000) (source)
Men aged 45-64 have the highest rate of suicide by age (20 per 100,000) (source)
Suicide is the second biggest cause of death in young males (1-19 years old) (source)
Spotting the signs of suicidal ideation
It can be hard to identify when someone is thinking about taking their life (known as suicidal ideation or suicidal thoughts). If you're worried about someone, observe their behaviour and look out for some of the following:
- A noticeable shift in their mood. Even a calmer mood can can be a cause of alarm, perhaps indicating this person has made their decision and is at peace with it
- Extreme levels of despair or hopelessness about life
- Talking about, writing, or researching death or suicide
- Saying goodbye to family and friends
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Purchasing something which could be used for suicide, such as a knife, or saving pills
- High levels of anxiety or agitation
- Excessive alcohol use or drug abuse
Getting help
If you notice any of the signs above, either in yourself or someone else, you should take steps to get crisis support. Help and support is out there for anyone struggling with mental health issues or considering taking their own life. In the long-term, there are things you can do to tackle the issues you've been experiencing and improve your wellbeing.
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