Today's Article

In 2024, 2suicide was responsible for nearly 49,000 deaths, and the rate among males was nearly four times higher than females.

"They tend to wait until things are at a 3breaking point or a 4crisis point."

Clinical psychologist David Alperovitz says that while men 5account for nearly 80% of all suicide deaths, about 60% of those men weren't getting help because they had no 6documented mental health history.

He says depression warning signs may be more 7subtle in men and include 8irritability, frustration, angry 9outbursts, 10social isolation, physical stress, 11substance use or abuse, and more typical symptoms like changes in sleep and appetite, decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, and loss of enjoyment.

"There's a traditional cultural notion that men need to be 12stoic and 13self-reliant, and that expressing their feelings is not a strength, and rather a weakness."

Alperovitz says that 14narrative needs to change.

So open up a 15low-pressure conversation with a loved one you're concerned about.

Start by stating an observation like, "You seem to be 16carrying a lot on your shoulders," and create a space for their response. Ask how they're doing or how they're feeling.

Then he says to step back and listen without offering a quick fix. Simply let them be heard and 17validate what is said.

"This may be the first opportunity to literally hear their own voice, particularly if they've been trying to 18suppress what it is they feel."