The Role of Gender in Mental Health
Suicide is almost always associated with some form of poor mental or physical health. More than 90 percent of people who commit suicide have a diagnosable mental disorder — depression and substance abuse being the most commonly associated conditions. Like the other mental conditions in this presentation, a gender disparity also exists for suicide. Women attempt suicide two to three times as often as men, yet four times as many men die from suicide than women. White men over the age of 85 have the highest suicide rate of any demographic in the U.S., possibly due to the increased risk of disabling physical and mental health conditions. Chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis and cancer have been directly associated with suicide ideation, possibly due to the increased risk of depression. Talk with your doctor if you have been struggling with substance abuse, depression or recurring thoughts about suicide.
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Review Date:
April 11, 2014Citation:
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Last Updated:
July 1, 2014