At least 1 out of 6 boys experience sexual abuse, 70% of adults will experience a trauma in their life, 50% of them are men. Statistics from World Health Organisation tell us that out of 195 countries, 191 experience the highest rate of suicide for men and boys. These facts are telling us that men and boys are suffering and something has to be done about it. I briefly highlight the correlation of trauma and suicide, however, please remember... 5 out of 6 suicides are completed by Men and Boys.
Trauma encompasses a wide range of distressing experiences, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, or exposure to life-threatening events. These traumatic events can profoundly impact individuals' capacity to experience a healthy level of psychological functioning. The psychological consequences of trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex Trauma, depression, and anxiety, significantly heighten the risk of suicide. However, not all individuals who experience trauma will develop suicidal tendencies, as individual resilience and protective factors also play pivotal roles.
The relationship between trauma and suicide is influenced by numerous interconnected factors. Traumatic experiences can directly contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviours through a variety of symptoms, one of which includes prolonged psychological distress at internal and external cues which remind you of the trauma. Feelings of hopelessness, shame, rage, disgust, terror can activate flashbacks which can contribute to physical and emotional re-experiencing of the trauma and create actual physical sensations which occurred at the time of the trauma. Reliving these experiences multiple times in a day leads to further symptom development such as co-morbid mental health disorders, substance abuse, social isolation, and difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships.
Relationships are fundamental to having a human experience which involves connection, however when people experience trauma in interpersonal relationships they find it hard to form and maintain relationships. This creates
impaired coping mechanisms due to the isolation and psychological restrictions imposed from the symptom clusters of PTSD and Complex Trauma. Additionally, trauma may indirectly influence suicide risk by increasing the likelihood of particular schemas which further isolate and restrict the persons ability to distinguish a rational and non interrupted perception of the world around them.
The development of trauma related schemas also occur with other diagnosis such as Borderline personality disorder, BPD is only distinguished from complex trauma by three symptom clusters and is seen as an evolved form of complex trauma. In multiple studies, roughly 78% of people with BPD had experienced sexual abuse and it has been documented that 70% of people with BPD with attempt Suicide and roughly 10% of that 70% complete suicide.
Further risks of trauma related suicide ideation reside in the dissociative subtypes of trauma. Derealisation, Depersonalisation and structural dissociation, there are a number of studies which include different types of trials and measurements which identify the prevalence of dissociation, trauma, PTSD and child abuse with the presentation of self harm and suicide attempts. I like Dissociative Disorders and Suicide ideation in Outpatients, it is easy to read and clearly identifies the issues i am discussing.
Prevention and Intervention approaches should address the intricate relationship between suicide and the combined symptom clusters of trauma, It requires a comprehensive and multidimensional approach. Prevention efforts should focus on early identification of trauma survivors at risk, implementing trauma-focused care, and providing accessible and culturally sensitive mental health services. Collaboration among healthcare professionals, community organisations, and policymakers is crucial to creating supportive environments, raising awareness, and reducing stigma associated with trauma and suicide. Targeted interventions, such as evidence-based therapies and crisis helplines, play a vital role in providing support to individuals in distress.
The correlation between suicide, trauma and the lack of services for men underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that address the factors contributing to suicide risk. Split the Difference is actively working towards changing policy to support men and boys.
At Integrated Trauma Solutions we offer highly strategic, Trauma Focused Therapy and resolution of suicideideation