Why targeted suicide prevention for high-risk men should complement population-level strategies
By
Seena Fazel
Summary
This editorial by Seena Fazel argues that while population-level public health strategies (reducing stigma, improving mental health literacy, promoting help-seeking) are important for suicide prevention in men, they are insufficient given persistently high suicide rates among men. The author advocates for prioritizing targeted, specialized approaches for high-risk individuals—such as those with mental illness, recent self-harm, or criminal justice involvement—alongside broader population strategies. The piece examines evidence gaps, risk stratification methods, and the need for clinical interventions tailored to men at elevated risk.
Source
bskyWhy targeted suicide prevention for high-risk men should complement population-level strategiesplos.ioKey quotes
· 3 pulledIt is widely known that suicide risk disproportionately affects men, who are three times more likely to die from suicide than women and account for 75%–80% of suicide deaths in high-income countries.
Despite public health strategies focusing on men's mental health and suicide risk, rates of suicide among men remain concerningly high.
Targeted, specialized approaches for high-risk individuals should be prioritized alongside broader population-level strategies.
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