James Murphy, MD, MBA, LSSBB, is board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and psychiatry. He serves at the Division Chief, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for Inova Behavioral Health Services.
Who is at greatest risk of dying by suicide? The answer may surprise you. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, of the approximately 130 people who die by suicide every day in the United States, about 70 percent are white men. Men in general are nearly four times as likely to die by suicide as women are, and middle-aged white men have the highest suicide rate of all, most commonly using firearms.
In fact, men are at greater risk for completed suicide from adolescence through adulthood and into older adulthood. Often, men are socialized to avoid discussing emotional and psychological struggles and are less likely to seek help. It’s important for everyone to be aware of the risk factors and alert to the signs of suicidality in men, so we can work together to address this quiet crisis.
Both middle-aged men and older adult men are less likely to seek help from a healthcare provider for any health issue and especially for a mental health challenge. So, it’s important for men to have a community that is aware of what’s going on in a man’s life. Social isolation is a warning sign for suicide risk, but the other side of the coin, having a sense of connection and belonging, is protective for general health and longevity as well as for mental health. A community can provide social support and can reach out when a man is struggling.
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Men who get help are most likely to be around for their families and loved ones who depend on them.
If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at the 988 toll-free hotline with the number 9-8-8. It is available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, 24/7. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Learn more at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health breakdown, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Learn more about Inova Behavioral Health Services or about our Inova adult mental health inpatient services specifically.
The Peterson Family Fairfax, VA, April 16, 2024 – Inova today announced a transformational gift…
Lauren Trahan, MS, RD is a Registered Dietitian. She serves patients in Inova Cardiac and…
Ivan Harnden, MD is a board-certified gastroenterologist. He serves as the System Chief of Gastroenterology…
Shawn Davis-Wilensky, MD is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecoligist. She practices at Inova Saville Screening and Prevention…
Inova Schar Cancer is one of the top recruiting locations for the EMBER-4 clinical trial,…
Leesburg, VA, April 1, 2024 — Inova Loudoun Hospital Mobile Health Services will be providing…