In 2012, there were 3,926 suicides in Canada, of which an overwhelming 2,972 were males (Suicides and suicide rate, by sex and by age group (Both sexes no.), 2015). Yet, in the same year over half of the 2,105,882 reported mood disorders were experienced by women (Mood disorders, by age and sex (Numbers), 2016). Beautrais, Joyce, Multer et al. studied the correlation between mood disorders and suicide and determined that “mood disorders made the largest contribution to the risk of suicide attempt,” the most influential being depression, contradictory to these Canadian statistics (1996). While suicide is an individual task, it is influenced by many social factors that differ between men and women. People respond to the societal expectations
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11). Social solidarity is inconsistent between different ages, statuses and sexes based on the measure of commonality within the group. In particular, “women were less likely to commit suicide than men were because women were generally more involved in intimate social relations of family life” (SOC+, p. 11). This very fact alone can explain many differences in the cause and coping of depression, because women are more social, they rely on others’ approval more and feel depressive symptoms without it, also women more frequently seek external help which creates even more social ties and men lean towards establishing social connections to help resist suicidal urges and overcome despair. Not only do gender roles influence depression, but also suicide. The trends in methods of suicide provide an explanation to the variance in suicide statistics in Canada. In a study attempting to explain the choices of people with suicidal behaviour, it was found that while methods may differ, the intent to die was always present (Denning, Conwell, King, & Cox, 2000). Incorporating social influence, “women are socialized to put emphasis on their physical attractiveness” making non-violent methods such as overdose and drowning more appealing (Denning et al., 2000). “Boys are more likely to play games of violence and [fight] with guns and knives” so naturally violent methods such as cutting, firearm use and hanging are seen as masculine forms of suicide (Denning et al., 2000). Violent methods can almost guarantee that death will be the outcome and even though non-violent methods are used to obtain the same outcome, they often do not. In an overview of suicide rates it was found that “although males are more likely to die from suicide, females are three to four times more likely to
11). Social solidarity is inconsistent between different ages, statuses and sexes based on the measure of commonality within the group. In particular, “women were less likely to commit suicide than men were because women were generally more involved in intimate social relations of family life” (SOC+, p. 11). This very fact alone can explain many differences in the cause and coping of depression, because women are more social, they rely on others’ approval more and feel depressive symptoms without it, also women more frequently seek external help which creates even more social ties and men lean towards establishing social connections to help resist suicidal urges and overcome despair. Not only do gender roles influence depression, but also suicide. The trends in methods of suicide provide an explanation to the variance in suicide statistics in Canada. In a study attempting to explain the choices of people with suicidal behaviour, it was found that while methods may differ, the intent to die was always present (Denning, Conwell, King, & Cox, 2000). Incorporating social influence, “women are socialized to put emphasis on their physical attractiveness” making non-violent methods such as overdose and drowning more appealing (Denning et al., 2000). “Boys are more likely to play games of violence and [fight] with guns and knives” so naturally violent methods such as cutting, firearm use and hanging are seen as masculine forms of suicide (Denning et al., 2000). Violent methods can almost guarantee that death will be the outcome and even though non-violent methods are used to obtain the same outcome, they often do not. In an overview of suicide rates it was found that “although males are more likely to die from suicide, females are three to four times more likely to