Suicide in men has been described as a Òsilent epidemicÓ: epidemic because of its high incidence and substantial contribution to menÕs mortality, and silent be_cause of a lack of public awareness, a paucity of explanatory research, and the reluctance of men to seek help for suicide-related concerns. A statistical overview demonstrates a shockingly high rate of death by suicide for men compared with women, and a need to focus attention on prevention, screening, treatment, and service delivery. Promising lines of research include identification of clinical indicators specifically predictive of male suicide and exploration of precipitating and predisposing factors that distinguish male suicide and account for the substantial gender disparity. Only by breaking the silence, building public awareness, refining explanatory frameworks, implementing preventive strategies, and undertaking research, will we overcome this epidemic.
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