Suicide is identified as rising global problem primarily affecting men. Know its risk factors and how can it be prevented.

The suicide of WWE wrestler Chris Benoit again called the attention of the public to an alarming trend that certainly needs to be addressed. While not uncommon; there are other prominent wrestlers like Michael Lee Alfonso (popularly known as Mike Awesome) and "Bam Bam" Bigelow who have committed suicide and succeeded.

With an investigation going on, Benoit’s suicide is largely attributed to steroid and illicit drug use and emotional stress similar to those cases mentioned above. However, Benoit’s suicide is just the tip of the iceberg to what is really a global problem primarily affecting men’s health.

Global Crisis

The World Health Organization in its 2000 report noted that in every 40 seconds, 1 person dies after committing suicide. And its incidence has increased to 60% worldwide and that it now ranks as the third leading cause of death in both sexes worldwide. Also, suicide attempts are estimated by the WHO to be 20 times more frequent than completed suicide. In the United States, the Center for Disease Control reported that it is the eighth leading cause of death among all US males and they are four times more likely to commit suicide than females.

Risk Factors

There are other factors that prompted men to commit suicide. Those who previously committed suicide but failed are most likely to make new attempts until they succeed. Mental disorders such as depression are also common and those who do not receive treatment or remain undiagnosed are highly at risk.

Others factors include histories of alcohol abuse and maltreatment during childhood. Statistics also show that men in advanced age are more likely to commit suicide than their younger counterparts. Crisis situations can also drive men to commit suicide.

In several uniquely bizarre cases, celebrity suicides in the past and recent years that have gained widespread media coverage are suspected to have caused “copycat” or imitated suicides. While there are no established proofs that link celebrity suicides with apparent imitation suicides, most media outfits are encouraged to observe certain guidelines to put off such behavior.

Finding Solutions

Generally, these are just several factors utilized to help identify men (and the rest of the population) who are most at risk to commit suicide. The WHO has established important guidelines for suicide prevention and a few of these includes reducing access to common methods of suicide and increasing awareness and accessibility to treatment.

These solutions are hampered for several reasons. Suicide is largely considered a taboo in some nations but in others, it is considered a noble solution. Some men might feel uncomfortable or avoid discussing emotional problems even with their spouses or might not seek counseling or treatment at all.

In Chris Benoit’s case and those before him, immediate intervention is clearly needed. Benoit’s life and the lives of his family could have been spared when proper steps were taken beforehand. Suicide prevention is possible when men would allow themselves to be helped.