Masculinity – the way men are brought up to behave and the roles, attributes and behaviours that
society expects of them – contributes to suicide in men. Men compare themselves against a
masculine ‘gold standard’ which prizes power, control and invincibility. When men believe they are
not meeting this standard, they feel a sense of shame and defeat. Having a job and being able to
provide for your family is central to ‘being a man’, particularly for working class men. Masculinity is
associated with control, but when men are depressed or in crisis, they can feel out of control. This
can propel some men towards suicidal behaviour as a way of regaining control. Men are more likely
to use drugs or alcohol in response to distress.