Why are men still dying by suicide at such alarming rates?

This week on The Meaning of Men we unpack the male suicide crisis and what’s really driving it with Dr Susie Bennett, one of the UK's leading researchers in this space. We explore the complex intersection of masculinity, mental health, loneliness, and emotional suppression—and why so many men feel unable to ask for help.

Drawing on cutting-edge research and lived experience, this conversation goes beyond statistics to reveal the deeper psychological and cultural factors behind male suicide. From the “empathy gap” to the pressure to be strong, successful, and self-reliant, we examine how societal expectations can leave men feeling isolated, ashamed, and disconnected.

Crucially, this episode also focuses on solutions. You’ll hear why connection, community, and redefining what it means to be a man are essential to preventing male suicide—and how we can all play a role in supporting the men in our lives.

In this episode you will learn:

What’s really driving male suicide rates
The impact of loneliness and social disconnection
How masculinity norms affect men’s mental health
Why men struggle to open up and seek support
Practical ways to better support the men in your life

Hear more from Dr Susie:

Website:malesuicideresearch.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/male_suicide_research/

Timestamps:

07:22: The State of Male Suicide: Trends and Concerns 12:43: The Empathy Gap: Societal Perceptions of Men 18:54: Cultural Factors Influencing Male Suicide 29:46: The Psychological Impact of Masculinity on Men 33:08: The Tenderness of Providing 35:19: Redefining the Role of Provider 37:33: The Crisis of Male Loneliness 41:01: Building Connections Among Men 45:03: Diverse Interventions for Male Mental Health 52:04: Recognizing Warning Signs of Distress 01:04: 16Hope for the Future of Boys and Men

S4, Ep12: The Meaning of Male Suicide | What actually helps men heal (ft Dr Susie Bennett)