It has been proposed that some aspects of
hegemonic masculinity could be health-damaging,
even to the point of propelling men towards suicidal
behaviour. Hegemonic masculinity is associated
with emotional control and power, while depression
is more often linked to powerlessness and a lack of
control over emotions. Thus, suicide has been
conceptualised as a way of expressing or regaining
control in the face of depression. For some men,
suicide is incorporated into a version of an ‘in
control’ masculine identity. Men’s greater use of
lethal methods to complete suicide can also be seen
as an expression of masculinity and men’s
understanding of appropriate masculine behaviour.
‘Failure’ to succeed in taking one’s life is associated
with the more ‘feminine’ practice of self-harm and
therefore to be avoided as a potential (additional)
source of shame.