Understanding the Link Between Relationship Breakups and Men's Suicide Risk

Melbourne, July 18 (The Conversation) Breakups are tough, and the emotional and psychological distress that follows the end of intimate relationships is often profound. For some individuals, particularly men, this distress can escalate to suicidal thoughts and actions.

Data reveals that relationship challenges, including breakups, separation, and divorce, are contributing factors in the suicide paths of one in three Australian men aged 25 to 44. Globally, men account for three out of every four suicides, highlighting the urgent need to understand the connection between relationship breakdown and the increased risk of suicide in men.

Our recent large-scale study, published today, explores this issue extensively for the first time. We analyzed 75 studies across 30 countries, involving over 106 million men. The findings are stark: men who are separated are nearly five times as likely to die by suicide as their married counterparts.

What did our research uncover? We aimed to understand why relationship breakdown can lead to suicide among men and identify which men are most vulnerable. While breakups are sometimes unavoidable, promoting healthy coping mechanisms in response to relationship stress is crucial to suicide prevention.

The study found that divorced men are 2.8 times more likely to die by suicide than married men. Among separated men, the risk jumps to 4.8 times higher compared to married individuals. Particularly alarming is that separated men under 35 face nearly nine times the suicide risk of married men of the same age group.

The immediate aftermath of a breakup emerges as a particularly risky time for men’s mental health.

What are men experiencing? Men's struggle to manage intense emotional stress post-breakup significantly contributes to their suicide risk. Feelings such as profound sadness, shame, guilt, anxiety, and loss can become overwhelming and appear interminable for some men.

Many men grow up in a culture that encourages them to suppress their emotions during periods of intense stress. Some face challenges in understanding or interpreting their emotions, making it difficult to know how to respond effectively.

The research found that the combination of personal emotional distress and interpersonal consequences, like changes in social networks and support availability, contributes to the heightened risk of suicide following a breakup. These factors seem to impact men differently compared to women.

Breakups affect social support As intimate relationships deepen, people often invest less in friendships, especially when balancing work and family commitments. Many men, particularly those in heterosexual relationships, depend heavily on their partner for social and emotional support, sometimes neglecting other relationships.

This over-reliance can become a liability post-breakup, leaving many men with limited support options. Our research indicates that increased social disconnection and loneliness elevate the risk of suicide for men after a breakup.

Furthermore, society often struggles to appropriately support men post-breakup. Feedback such as "just get back on the horse" invalidates men's experiences and reinforces harmful stereotypes that breakups shouldn't significantly affect them.

What can be done? There is no single solution to preventing suicide post-breakup, but various strategies can help. Early intervention is key, such as educating young people on healthy relationship endings and emotional regulation.

Support groups and opportunities for connection should be integrated into relationship services to combat loneliness. Mental health practitioners must be equipped to engage and assist men seeking help after a breakup, ensuring safety and recovery.

Importantly, when men reach out for support, it's crucial to acknowledge their pain rather than rush them to suppress it. Providing such connection can be life-saving.

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