Suicide Deaths and Education Reveal Growing Need for Male Gender Council

Article here. Excerpt:

'A review of data from the Centers for Disease Control reveals that males accounted for 78% of all suicide deaths from 2009 to 2018 (Table 1). The numbers of school-aged children and college-aged children suffering from depression and suicide, specifically boys and young men, should be setting off alarm bells.

GIBM looked at suicide deaths of boys and girls 10-14 years-of-age and 15 to 24 years-of-age from 2009 to 2018 to get a clearer understanding of the data. Boys 10 to 14 years-of-age accounted for 66% of suicide deaths (Table 2). During the same period, suicide deaths among boys 15 to 24 years-of-age was 81% (Table 3). For every female suicide death there were 4.2 male suicide deaths. Feelings of despair, isolation, and self-worth surge for boys who feel a real lack of purpose. The same often holds true for older men, ages 65 to 74 and 75 and over who represent 80% and 87% of suicide deaths respectively in their age groups. There are few narratives championing boys and men's policies. Suicide data as well as opioid data reveals that boys who should be thinking of promising futures and opportunities are more marginalized than ever. Older men, who should be indulging in the wisdom of their age, find it harder to approach and settle into the golden years with a sense of appreciation and welcome. The social and political narrative has been abrasive to nearly all boys and men.'