Divorced Men and the Realities of Suicide

Did you know that September is Suicide Prevention Month? Suicide is the 12^th leading cause of death overall in the United States. 79% of people who commit suicide are male. Of those 79%, men who have been divorced are 9 times more likely to commit suicide as compared to divorced women. These facts are devastating…but they do not have to be.

Although suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, or background, it is concerning that divorced men experience these detrimental thoughts at a higher level. Going through a divorce is an emotionally distressing time, but why do men seem to experience this at a higher rate? Dr. Kposowa, a sociologist at the University of California–Riverside, suggested that “society has undervalued the strength of paternal-child bonds, and thus underestimated the traumatic effect of severing those bonds through our typical custody arrangements. Further, we fail to appreciate the catastrophic financial impact of divorce on men, and the anger and resentment engendered by losses of both property and status in the wake of a divorce settlement” See article.

While this may be true as a whole, as your attorney, we want to change this statistic. We want to help our clients through their divorce in every way possible. We have resources for our clients including therapists, mediators, and other individuals who can provide tailored support while going through this life-changing event. Divorce does not have to be a catalyst for suicide or any harm to either party. If you know you have a history of mental illness, be prepared. Talk with your therapist or doctor so they can work out an appropriate plan to help guide you through this experience. With the appropriate help and support, anyone can walk through divorce and come out stronger on the other side.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, you can call or text 988 for immediate help. Additionally, you can chat with a suicide and crisis lifeline at 988lifeline.org.

If you or someone you know is going through a rough divorce, our Modern Legal Team is here to help.

Written by: Theresa E. Viera

Theresa Viera

Inspired by her own experiences with domestic violence and the family court system, Theresa E. Viera became the first lawyer in her family, graduating from the University of North Carolina School of Law. She has dedicated her career to helping families find healthy solutions through various legal tools, including negotiations, mediation, collaborative law, and litigation when necessary. With years of experience in Family Law, she strives to inspire others and make a positive impact on the lives of her clients, just as her mother’s attorney once inspired her.