#Depression doesn’t discriminate, but its impact can look starkly different across cultures, genders, and economies. Globally, suicide rates reveal a troubling pattern: men are at significantly higher risk, and developed nations often face higher rates than their less affluent counterparts.

By examining countries like China, South Korea, the United States, Sweden, and contrasting them with some Muslim-majority nations, we can uncover why this crisis persists and how an unhealthy mind ripples through every facet of life—work, marriage, parenting, and social bonds. Let’s dive into the numbers, stories, and underlying truths to raise awareness and spark change.

The Global Picture: Men at Risk

Brazil has the highest male-to-female suicide ratio, with men nearly 6 times more likely to die by suicide.

South Korea has one of the highest male suicide rates globally, driven by intense societal pressure and economic stress.

In 2021, the global suicide rate stood at 9.1 per 100,000 people, but men bore the brunt, with a rate of 12.3 compared to 5.9 for women. This “silent epidemic” is starkly evident in countries like South Korea (37 per 100,000 for men vs. 14.6 for women), the United States (24.1 vs. 6.66), and Sweden (16.8 vs. 7.82). Even in China, where women historically had higher rates, men now edge out at 10.6 versus 7.63. The data screams a universal truth: men are more likely to take their lives, often in silence.

Globally, men are over twice as likely to die by suicide. Ireland, Malaysia, and the USA have a high ratio—men are about 3.5 to 4 times more likely to die by suicide.

Why men? Cultural expectations play a massive role. Men are frequently socialized to suppress emotions, equating vulnerability with weakness. In South Korea, the pressure to succeed in a hyper-competitive society—coupled with stigma around mental health—leaves men, especially young adults and the elderly, feeling trapped. In the U.S., economic instability, social isolation, and easy access to lethal means like firearms (which accounted for a jump from 24,292 to 26,320 suicides between 2020 and 2021) amplify the risk. Sweden, despite its robust welfare system, grapples with seasonal (climate) affective disorder from long winters, hitting men harder due to same lower help-seeking behavior.

China and Egypt show the smallest gender disparity, suggesting cultural and social factors play a role in risk distribution.

Developed vs. Developing: A Paradox

You’d think wealthier nations, with better healthcare and living standards, would have lower suicide rates. Yet, the data flips that assumption. In 2021, developed countries like South Korea (25.8 per 100,000), the U.S. (15.3), and Sweden (12.3) dwarf rates in places like Afghanistan (3.6), Iraq (4.41), or Syria (0.89). This paradox stems from complex social pressures. In developed nations, individualism often isolates people, and the relentless pursuit of success—whether academic, professional, or personal—creates a pressure cooker. South Korea’s elderly, for instance, face abandonment as traditional family caregiving erodes, leading many to choose death over perceived burdensomeness. In the U.S., loneliness, declared an epidemic, compounds mental health struggles, with men less likely to seek therapy.

Developed Countries Have Higher Suicide Rates. Why? Experts blame social isolation, intense work pressure, and individualism.

Contrast this with some Muslim-majority countries like Syria, Lebanon (0.94), or Egypt (1.01), where suicide rates are among the world’s lowest. Religion and community play a protective role here. Islam’s strong stance against suicide, viewing it as a sin, deters many, while tight-knit family structures provide emotional safety nets. In these societies, collective identity often trumps individual despair, and faith-based coping mechanisms—like prayer or community support—buffer against mental health crises. However, underreporting due to stigma or conflict-related deaths muddying data can’t be ignored also. Still, the contrast is striking: where social cohesion thrives, suicide rates often drop sharply.

Muslim-majority countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and UAE report much lower suicide rates overall, likely due to religious beliefs, family support, and community ties act as protective factors.

Country Deep Dive: Stories Behind the Numbers

• South Korea: With a suicide rate of 25.8 per 100,000, South Korea ranks fourth globally. The Mapo Bridge in Seoul, grimly nicknamed “The Bridge of Death,” symbolizes the crisis, with many jumping to their deaths. Men face crushing expectations—students burn out under academic pressure, while middle-aged men grapple with job loss or divorce in a culture that equates failure with shame. Over 90% of victims have treatable mental conditions, yet only 15% seek help due to stigma.

South Korea and Japan have high suicide rates overall, but the gender gap isn’t as extreme compared to Western nations.

• United States: At 15.3 per 100,000, the U.S. sees a suicide every 20 minutes. Men, particularly white and Black males aged 15–44, drive this, with rates spiking to 24.1. Economic fallout from the pandemic, loneliness, and gun availability fuel the rise. Depression’s grip makes it hard for men to maintain jobs or relationships, perpetuating a cycle of despair.

Western countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia have significantly higher male suicide rates compared to female rates.

• Sweden: Sweden’s rate of 12.3 reflects progress from its 1960s peak, thanks to mental health reforms. Yet, men still face higher risks (16.8), partly due to dark winters triggering seasonal depression. The Nordic paradox—high happiness but persistent suicide—shows even strong welfare systems can’t erase cultural stoicism among men.

Sweden, despite its happiness ranking, sees 16.8 male suicides per 100,000—linked to winter depression and low help-seeking.

• China: At 9.17 per 100,000, China’s rate is lower than expected, but rural areas see rates five times higher than urban ones. Men now outpace women (10.6 vs. 7.63), a shift from past trends where women faced intense social strain. Limited mental health access and stigma keep many from seeking help, especially in poorer regions.

Suicide is the leading cause of death among young Chinese men, aged 15-34.

Over 90% of suicide victims have treatable mental illness, yet stigma and toxic masculinity keep most high-risk men—less than 20%—from seeking help.

• Malaysia: In Malaysia, the suicide rate in 2021 was 5.17 per 100,000, but recent data paints a grimmer picture, with 1,087 suicides recorded in 2023, a 10% rise from 981 in 2022, according to the Royal Malaysia Police. The Mental Health Crisis Helpline, HEAL 15555, received over 48,000 calls related to suicidal behavior from 2022 -2024. Men dominate these numbers, with over 3,600 of the 4,440 suicides from 2019 to 2023, reflecting a male rate of 8.0 compared to 2.13 for women. The Chinese community faces the highest rates, followed by foreigners, ethnic Indians, and Malays, driven by local issues like rapid urbanization, economic inequality, and job insecurity. For instance, the Chinese community often grapples with intense financial pressures in urban centers like Kuala Lumpur, while migrant workers face exploitation and isolation.

The HEAL line received nearly 49,000 calls from 2022–2024—showing the scale of distress.

Among youth, the 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey reported 13.1% of teens aged 13–17 had suicidal thoughts and 9.5% attempted suicide, with boys under strain from academic expectations and social media scrutiny. Common methods—hanging and pesticide poisoning—highlight easy access to lethal means, especially in rural areas like Sarawak, where mental health services are scarce. The Penang Bridge, a known suicide hotspot, saw renewed calls for barriers in 2024 after multiple incidents. Despite the HEAL Line receiving 48,900 calls from 2022 to 2024, Malaysia’s criminalization of suicide attempts under Section 309 of the Penal Code discourages help-seeking, particularly among men who fear legal repercussions. Stigma, coupled with only 0.4 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, exacerbates the crisis, leaving many without support.

Elderly men in South Korea, Japan, and parts of ASEAN face high suicide rates as loneliness and fading family support leave many feeling like burdens.

The Ripple Effect: An Unhealthy Mind’s Toll

Depression isn’t just a personal battle; it’s a wrecking ball to every aspect of life. At work, an unhealthy mind falters—productivity tanks, focus wanes, and absenteeism spikes. In South Korea, workplace stress drives men to despair, with layoffs or failures seen as personal ruin. Marriages suffer, too. In the U.S., depressed men often withdraw, straining partnerships; divorce rates climb, further isolating them. Parenting becomes a casualty—how can a father model resilience for his children when he’s battling hopelessness? Socially, depression isolates, as men in Sweden or China avoid friends, fearing judgment.

Over 30% of Chinese men in rural areas report experiencing mental health problems, but only 1% seek help.

This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about lives unraveling. A man in Seoul, overwhelmed by debt, feels he’s failed his family. A U.S. veteran, haunted by trauma, sees no way out. A Swedish father, crushed by winter’s darkness, hides his pain until it’s too late. These stories repeat globally, proving an unhealthy mind can’t thrive in any role—employee, spouse, parent, or friend.

Suicide Rates Have Dropped Globally—But Not for Men

How Individualism Impacts Mental Well-being and Family Bonds

The modern pursuit of individualism, while offering the allure of autonomy and privacy, often comes at a significant cost to our collective well-being and the intricate support systems of extended families. The trend towards nuclear families living in separate dwellings, driven by factors like increased cost of living and the prioritization of individual space, inadvertently dismantles the traditional safety nets that have historically fostered mental health and provided practical support across generations. We see families fragmented, siblings living apart, and the vital intergenerational connections with parents, uncles, and aunts weakening.

This shift, while seemingly granting independence, leads to a duplication of individual expenses – utilities, furniture, housing, maintenance, cleaning, and even childcare – resources that could be utilized far more efficiently within shared living arrangements, embodying true economies of scale.

India has a relatively high female suicide rate compared to other countries, possibly due to social pressures and gender-based challenges.

The implications for raising children in this individualistic model are profound. With both parents often working to sustain separate households, the burden and expense of childcare become significant deterrents to having larger families. This can lead to a sense of emptiness and a lack of the inherent joy and vitality that children bring, not only to the immediate couple but also to the extended family, particularly the elderly. Grandparents and parents-in-law, often living in isolation, are deprived of the natural emotional healing derived from childrens laughter, affection, and mere presence, increasing their vulnerability to depression.

Suicide Is the Leading Cause of Death for Young People in Some Countries.

The absence of close-knit extended family living also creates a significant challenge in caring for aging parents. While the intention may be to provide the best for them, the practicalities of managing separate households often make consistent, hands-on care difficult, leading to further financial strain and emotional stress for the breadwinning children. Paying for separate accommodation and additional support services adds another layer of burden, exacerbating anxieties.

In South Korea and Japan, suicide is the #1 cause of death for people aged 15–34. Academic pressure, job insecurity, and social isolation are major contributors.

Crucially, the notion that humans thrive in complete seclusion contradicts our fundamental nature as social beings. Numerous scientific studies underscore the importance of social connection for mental and physical health. Isolation and loneliness have been consistently linked to increased risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and even physical ailments (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010). This is particularly relevant for men, who, as highlighted earlier, already face higher risks of suicide. The lack of daily interaction, emotional support, and a sense of belonging that extended families often provide can exacerbate feelings of isolation and contribute to mental health struggles (Seeman, 1996).

Suicide Rates Among Elderly Men Are Rising. In South Korea, Japan, and parts of ASEAN, elderly men face high suicide rates due to loneliness and fading family support. Many feel like burdens and choose death over isolation.

The relatively lower suicide rates observed in some Muslim countries and lower-income nations, where traditional extended family living is often more prevalent, may partly be attributed to these strong social structures. The constant presence of family, shared responsibilities, and inherent support systems can act as buffers against the isolation and loneliness that can fuel despair. While these societies may face other challenges, their cultural emphasis on communal living provides a natural form of social and emotional support that can be protective against mental health crises.

Countries with long, dark winters—like Sweden, Norway, and Canada—see higher suicide rates due to seasonal depression.

While individual privacy has its merits, the wholesale embrace of isolated nuclear family living carries significant societal and personal costs. The erosion of extended family structures leads to economic inefficiencies, increased burdens on young families and the elderly, and a profound sense of disconnection that undermines our fundamental human need for social interaction. Recognizing the inherent benefits of shared living – the economies of scale, the collective support in raising children and caring for elders, and the vital social connections that bolster mental well-being – is crucial for fostering healthier and more resilient communities. Perhaps exploring modern adaptations of multi-generational living, incorporating elements of privacy within shared spaces, could offer a path towards reaping the benefits of both individual autonomy and the enduring strength of family bonds.

Men tend to use more violent and lethal methods, such as firearms, hanging, or jumping, leading to higher fatality rates. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to use poisoning or overdosing, which has a higher chance of survival.

Why Awareness Matters

Raising awareness about depression, especially for men, isn’t just a health issue—it’s a societal imperative. In developed nations, we must normalize seeking help, dismantling the myth that strength means silence. South Korea’s efforts to train community leaders and expand mental health access are steps forward, but stigma remains a barrier. In the U.S., tackling loneliness and gun access could save thousands. Sweden’s model of welfare and mental health services shows promise but needs to reach men who shy away. Even in Muslim countries, where rates are low, addressing underreporting and stigma could prevent hidden tragedies.

Lack of sunlight affects mood-regulating hormones, making people more vulnerable to depression and suicidal thoughts.

Depression thrives in silence, but awareness is its kryptonite. By sharing these stories and stats—25.8 per 100,000 in South Korea, 15.3 in the U.S., 12.3 in Sweden, 9.17 in China—we shine a light on a crisis that’s preventable. Men don’t have to suffer alone. Societies don’t have to lose fathers, brothers, or sons. An unhealthy mind can’t perform, but a supported one can heal, rebuild, and thrive.

Islamic Guidance: A Path to Healing and Hope

Islamic teachings provide hope, as the Quran reminds us,

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear” (Quran 2:286),

a principle reinforced by the hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah: “Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear, and calamities will continue to befall believing men and women… until they meet Allah with no burden of sin” (Sahih al-Bukhari). This underscores that trials, including mental health struggles, are within one’s capacity to endure with faith and patience. Malaysian Islamic scholars, such as those at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), emphasize integrating spiritual and professional care. Dr. Zulkifli Hasan from IIUM advises, “People facing depression should seek solace in salah and dua, but also consult mental health professionals, as Islam encourages preserving life through all permissible means.”

"Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease."

Additionally, the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) stresses community support, noting, “Islam urges us to support those in despair, reminding them of Allah’s mercy and the promise of ease after hardship (Quran 94:5), rather than judging them.”

Let’s talk about depression. Let’s save lives.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. In the U.S., call 988. In South Korea, try 1393. In Sweden, contact Mind at 90101. In China, the Beijing Suicide Hotline is 800-810-1117. For Malaysia, speaking to a crisis counselor may help you see that there is a light at the end of the dark tunnel you are in right now. National Mental Health Crisis helpline, HEAL Line 15555 (Help with Empathy and Love), which operates every day from 8am to 12am, and is managed by Ministry of Health (MOH) counselling officers.

Your story isn’t over. Even though things might feel hopeless, getting support from someone who cares can make a big difference. If you feel like you might need support with thoughts of suicide, try reaching out to various hotlines in Malaysia. It's free and confidential.

This article on my Linkedin blog: The Silent Crisis: Depression, Men, and Suicide in a High-Pressure World

This article on Musufa Blob: The Silent Crisis: Depression, Men, and Suicide in a High-Pressure World

References:

• Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., Baker, M., Harris, T., &; Stephenson, D. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: a meta-analytic review. PloS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316;

• Seeman, T. E. (1996). Social ties and health: The benefits of social integration. Annals of Epidemiology, 6(5), 442-451.

#MentalHealthMatters #MensMentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #EndTheStigma #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay #MentalHealthCrisis