Photo: Bryan Goodchild
Suicide rates are rising fastest among men 55 and older, with men over 75 at the highest risk, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stigma attached to mental health, social loss and access to lethal means all contribute to this troubling trend. During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Edwin Boudreaux, PhD, professor of emergency medicine, explained what’s driving the crisis, why it’s particularly acute among older men and what can be done to save lives.
Why is stigma around mental health often stronger among men?
“Traditional masculine stereotypes play a major role. Men are expected to be strong, self-sufficient providers who don’t cry or admit weakness,” said Dr. Boudreaux. “Acknowledging a mental health problem like depression or anxiety can feel like admitting weakness, which makes seeking help difficult. That stigma remains a major barrier for many men.”
CDC data show men 75 and older are most at risk for suicide. What explains this trend?
“There’s no single answer,” Boudreaux said, “but loss plays a central role. As people age, they experience losses—physical ability, social connections, loved ones.”
Those losses can fuel suicidal ideations, he said, and combined with access to lethal means—especially firearms—and the capability to act on those impulses, the risk becomes higher.
“Men are more likely to own and feel comfortable with firearms, which makes suicide attempts more likely to be fatal,” he explained.
Why the increase?
Suicide rates among men 55 and older have been rising for two decades.
“Some of the drivers we see—depression, substance use, social disconnection—have all been rising across society,” Boudreaux said. “Men, because of stigma around help-seeking and access to lethal means, may be more likely to act on those risks.”
Are there lessons from youth mental health interventions that could help older men?
Yes, but approaches must be tailored.
“Youth campaigns have been effective at reducing stigma and promoting help-seeking through schools, peers and social media,” he said. “For older men, we’d need different messengers and channels. Military and veteran programs show that peer role models—people who’ve struggled themselves—can be especially effective.”
What role does access to firearms play?
Boudreaux said access to firearms is one of the most important factors, as suicide attempts with firearms are much more likely to be lethal.
“That’s why lethal means safety—putting time and distance between a person at risk and a firearm—is a critical prevention strategy. With older men, that may be more complicated because firearms are often tied to culture, hobbies or work,” he explained.
Are certain demographics at greater risk?
“The longstanding trend is that older white men, especially in rural areas, have the highest suicide risk,” Boudreaux said. “At the same time, we’re seeing rising suicide rates among younger Black men, which is a concerning newer trend.”
How do suicide risks differ for women?
“Women attempt suicide more often, but men die by suicide at higher rates,” said Boudreaux. “That’s largely because men are more likely to use firearms, while women are more likely to attempt with less lethal methods.”
What can people do to help loved ones who may be struggling?
Boudreaux emphasized practical resources:
- Call or text 988
The national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7, anywhere in the U.S.
- Learn the signs
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers resources, including the Seize the Awkward campaign, which helps people start conversations with loved ones.
- Talk openly
“If you notice concerning signs, don’t ignore them,” he said. “Opening up the conversation in a caring, non-threatening way can make a real difference.”
What should people know during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month?
“We have effective treatments and prevention strategies. Suicide prevention is about getting those strategies to the people who need them, when they need them,” he said . “There’s hope.”
