It is a well-known fact that suicide rates are higher among men. However, studies have shown that women are more likely to attempt suicide than men. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, suicide is the second leading cause of death among women aged 15-29 globally. So why are women more prone to suicide attempts?
One of the main reasons is that women tend to suffer from depression more than men. Depression is a serious mental illness that can lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression. They are more likely to experience symptoms such as sadness, feelings of worthlessness, and hopelessness. Depression can also lead to anxiety and panic attacks. All of them can trigger suicidal thoughts.
Another reason is that women are more likely to experience traumatic life events. That can range from as sexual abuse, domestic violence, to other forms of trauma. These experiences can lead to feelings of hopelessness, shame, and guilt. Those can in turn increase the risk of suicide. Women are also more likely to experience chronic stress. Chronic stress can exacerbate depression and increase the risk of suicide.
Social factors also play a role. Women are more likely to be the primary caregivers for children and elderly family members. That can lead to stress and feelings of being overwhelmed. Women are also more likely to experience poverty and financial insecurity. Both can increase the risk of suicide.
Additionally, women are more likely to attempt suicide by overdosing on medications. Contrarily, men are more likely to use firearms or hang themselves. This may be because women are more likely to have access to medications. At the same time they may be less likely to have access to firearms or other lethal means.
It is important to note that suicide is a complex issue. There is no one-size-fits-all explanation for why women may be more prone to suicide attempts. However, it is clear that women face unique challenges and experiences that can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions.
It is crucial for women to have access to mental health resources and support, including therapy, medication, and crisis hotlines. Additionally, society as a whole must work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide, and create a culture of compassion and understanding for those who may be struggling. By working together to address the root causes of suicide, we can help reduce the number of lives lost to this devastating issue.
Read more on women and suicide:
- “Understanding the Gender Gap: Women and Suicide” – This article explores the factors contributing to the higher rates of suicide among women and discusses the importance of addressing mental health and social support. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4539867/
- “Suicide: The Silent Crisis for Women” – This article discusses the unique challenges and risk factors that contribute to the higher rates of suicide among women, including societal pressures, mental health stigma, and access to lethal means.
- “The Gender Gap in Suicide: Breaking Down the Numbers” – This article analyzes the gender differences in suicide rates, highlighting the varying risk factors and underlying causes that contribute to the disparity between men and women.
https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-017-1398-8