Exploring Gender Differences in Suicide Rates and Methods

Nancy Schimelpfening, MS, leads the non-profit Depression Sanctuary, offering support to those battling depression. With extensive personal experience, she understands the profound impact of this condition.

Warning: This article contains sensitive content that may be distressing. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for immediate help from trained professionals. In emergencies, dial 911.

For additional mental health support, explore our National Helpline Database.

Research and official data reveal significant gender-based differences in suicide, often referred to as the gender paradox in suicide. While women tend to have more suicidal ideation, men are statistically more likely to die by suicide.

Many studies exclude nonbinary individuals, complicating the understanding of gender differences. Gaining insight into these distinctions is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.

Although discussing suicide is challenging, increasing awareness is essential to reduce suicide fatalities globally and in the United States.

The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 700,000 people worldwide die by suicide annually, with suicide ranking as the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S.

Suicide Attempts and Fatality Risks

Women exhibit higher rates of suicidal thoughts, non-fatal attempts, and suicide attempts compared to men. Statistics indicate women attempt suicide about three times more often, yet men are four times more likely to die by suicide as of 2022.

This discrepancy has sometimes led to misconceptions that women's suicide attempts are attention-seeking behaviors, which is inaccurate.

Importantly, a failed suicide attempt in women is a significant predictor of future suicide risk. All suicide attempts, regardless of gender, must be treated with utmost seriousness.

Common Suicide Methods by Gender

The variation in suicide completion rates between men and women is largely influenced by the methods chosen.

Men typically opt for more violent and lethal methods such as firearms, hanging, and suffocation. Women more commonly choose medication or drug overdoses.

Men's Suicide Methods

• Firearms
• Hanging
• Asphyxiation or suffocation
• Jumping from heights
• Being struck by moving objects
• Sharp instruments
• Vehicle exhaust inhalation

Women's Suicide Methods

• Self-poisoning
• Exsanguination (bleeding from cuts such as wrist slitting)
• Drowning
• Hanging
• Firearms

Insights into Male Suicide Methods

Differences extend beyond gender. For instance:

• Married men are more likely to use firearms, while unmarried men more often die by hanging.
• Unmarried women are less inclined to hang themselves compared to married women.
• Men with substance use histories tend to die by self-poisoning more than women with similar histories.
• Use of psychiatric medications increases poisoning risk in both genders.
• Intentional overdoses are more frequent among those with prolonged depression.
• Firearms are more commonly used in acute crises, supporting recommendations to remove guns during mental health emergencies.

Severity and Intent in Suicide Attempts

Even when using identical methods, men’s suicide attempts tend to be more severe—about 60% more so statistically. Men surviving suicide attempts often require intensive care more frequently than women.

Regarding firearm suicides, men are more prone to shooting themselves in the head, a more fatal approach. This may relate to differing levels of intent or concerns about physical appearance in women.

Studies suggest women generally exhibit less intent to die compared to men during suicide attempts.

History of Suicide Attempts

Both men and women with previous suicide attempts face elevated risks for future suicide. Over half of women who die by suicide have attempted before, whereas fewer than half of men who die by suicide have a prior attempt.

Recognizing Suicide Warning Signs

Regardless of gender, understanding risk factors and warning signs is vital. Those with a history of depression should consider developing a suicide safety plan.

Self-Harm Patterns

While men have higher suicide mortality, women more frequently engage in deliberate self-harm (DSH), which includes self-injury regardless of suicidal intent.

Research indicates self-injury is often not an attempt to die but a coping mechanism, usually performed privately. Examples include non-lethal overdoses and cutting.

Nevertheless, some individuals who self-harm may experience suicidal thoughts and inadvertently cause fatal harm.

Key suicide risk factors among self-harming individuals include:

• Male gender
• Physical health issues
• Previous self-harm episodes
• Presence of suicidal intent

Depression’s Role in Suicide

Major depression affects about half of those who die by suicide across genders, with women twice as likely as men to be diagnosed. Women also tend to seek treatment more often.

Suicide Rates in LGBTQ+ Communities

Suicidal ideation and attempts are significantly higher among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and non-binary individuals.

The CDC reports that LGB youth are three times more likely to consider suicide and seven times more likely to attempt it than their heterosexual peers.

The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey found:

• 40% of transgender adults have attempted suicide.
• 50% of trans men reported suicide attempts in the past year.
• 42% of nonbinary teens reported self-harm in the previous year.
• Less than 10% of cisgender males and 17% of cisgender females reported suicidal behaviors.

Family rejection and bullying significantly contribute to elevated suicide risks in LGBTQ+ populations. Rejected youth are over eight times more likely to attempt suicide.

Studies show each incident of harassment doubles self-harm risk. Promoting inclusive environments, like gay-straight alliances in schools, reduces suicidal thoughts and attempts among all students.

Understanding Gender Differences in Suicide

Several theories explain gender disparities in suicide, including societal expectations and gender roles:

• Men face pressure to appear strong, possibly influencing the choice of more lethal methods.
• Women’s social acceptance to express vulnerability may lead to suicide attempts as a call for help.
• Women may avoid serious attempts due to perceptions of violence as masculine.
• Women might attempt suicide earlier during distress to communicate suffering rather than to die.
• Consideration for others may deter women from lethal methods to minimize trauma.
• Women may be more likely to reconsider after deciding to attempt suicide.

Access and familiarity with certain methods, such as firearms, also influence gender differences.

Guidance for Parents and Loved Ones

Parents concerned about youth suicide should familiarize themselves with warning signs and myths related to teen suicide.

The Trevor Project offers resources for LGBTQ youth at 1-866-488-7386. In emergencies, call 911.

Key Insights

While general patterns exist, suicide prevention must consider individual differences beyond gender stereotypes.

Every suicide attempt warrants serious attention, without dismissing motives or assuming gender-based behaviors.

Further research is essential to deepen understanding and tailor gender-sensitive interventions.

Supporting vulnerable groups through awareness and inclusive alliances can help reduce suicide rates.

By Nancy Schimelpfening, MS, administrator of Depression Sanctuary, who brings lifelong experience with depression.

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