Guyanese men and suicide

Sep 13, 2026 Features / Columnists, News

(Kaieteur News) – A man’s identity, from childhood was built around “I am valuable because I provide” and in exchange he gets unconditional loyalty, respect, obedience, and submitted to from his partner.His financially and educated partner refuse to accept that arrangement. She sees her education and journey to be less dependent on a man. Some men adapt; others retreat into resentment, alcohol, infidelity, control, aggression or emotional isolation.

Suicide among Guyanese men is not simply an individual mental-health problem. It sits at the intersection of psychological pain, masculinity, family relationships, economic pressure, cultural expectations and access to prevention. PAHO’s Guyana data found an almost 4:1 male-to-female ratio. More recent regional data show a similar pattern: across the Americas, male suicide mortality is about 3.7 times the female rate. Suicide ideation and attempts become a reality when hopelessness and helplessness meet. Suicide is not a problem it’s a symptom