Behind every bold exploration, there is a hidden struggle.

These words resonate deeply with the captivating story of Norah Vincent, which offers a fresh perspective for people.  She is a journalist who wrote a book entitled “Self-Made Man.” She started practicing being a man at the age of 35. She underwent a total transformation, changing her voice and documenting her experiences, which led to the creation of the persona Ned; she lived as “him” for 18 consecutive months. At that moment, she gained a different perspective of men's lives that women had never been exposed to. She expressed her suffering, noting that she observed many men experiencing similar struggles. She believed that their prescribed gender roles were causing them to feel suffocated and disconnected from their true selves. There are hidden sides to people that others don't always see, just like in this story. 

As September unfolds, it brings a powerful opportunity for reflection, awareness, and action—Suicide Prevention Month. This annual event is a time to confront the sobering reality of suicide, highlight effective prevention strategies, and honor those who are affected by mental health struggles. It is a month dedicated to raising awareness and fostering a culture of support and understanding.

A data from 2019 revealed that suicide was the fourth leading cause of death for young people aged 15–29 globally. This information from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021 estimated that around 700,000 individuals take their own lives each year. It is important to know that most of these cases (77%) occur in low-income and middle-income countries. The origins of “Suicide Prevention Awareness Month”  can be traced back to 2008 when September was formally designated as the official month for this cause. Throughout this month, the primary focus lies in acknowledging and providing support for those affected by suicide, raising widespread awareness, and ensuring access to treatment services for individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts.

In 2022, it was revealed through statistics from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention that there was a significant disparity in suicide rates between men and women in America, with men being 3.85 times more likely to die by suicide. The majority of these deaths were accounted for by American white males, comprising 68.46% of all suicide deaths. Notably, firearms played a role in the majority of these cases, contributing to 54.64% of the suicides in 2022. These statistics highlight the pressing issue of male suicide and its contributing factors, including societal norms around masculinity. An example of this is the story of Norah Vincent, who personally experienced the pressures associated with masculinity and ultimately took her own life.

In the same year, a 4% increase in the number of female suicides, with the figure rising from 9,825 to 10,194. Even though in most countries, men are more likely to die by suicide, China has a higher rate of suicide among females, particularly affecting young women in rural areas. The possible reasons for these deaths could be societal pressure, cultural stigma, or marginalization; there are plenty of reasons why people take their own lives.

For these reasons, "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with the call to action "Start the Conversation" is the theme of Suicide Prevention Day for the next 3 consecutive years. As the misconception about suicide continues, this month aims to promote open discussions to prevent suicides. This is why they named  the theme "Changing the Narrative on Suicide."They hope to shift misconceptions to the correct perception. They aim to open closed minds and gradually change attitudes towards suicide. They believe the power of words can help to break the stigma about suicides. By changing how people view this multifaceted issue, they hope to move from a culture of silence and shame to one that embraces openness, empathy, and assistance. With the theme of the month, let us work to inspire everyone to initiate discussions about suicide and suicide prevention. Every conversation, regardless of its size, plays a part in creating a compassionate and supportive society.

Let us make sure no chapter ends too soon; supporting Suicide Prevention Month is crucial; one of the most powerful actions to do so is through education. By taking time to educate ourselves about suicide prevention, we can gain valuable insights and perspectives that can help us better understand and support those who may be struggling. Sharing what we've learned with others can amplify the impact and potentially save numerous lives. It is important to remember that small actions can lead to significant outcomes, especially in the context of suicide prevention. 

If you or someone you know needs help, please dial the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 0966-351-4518. With this valuable information and new insights, I would like to ask you.  How do you think societal expectations and cultural norms about masculinity influence the likelihood of suicide among men? What are the concepts that could be applied to understand and address the imbalance in suicide rates between different genders?