Assessing Risk and Responding to Male Suicide: A Practical Guide for Non-Professionals

Equipping Christians to Act as Male First Responder Specialists

By Dayo Adeyemi

The President & Founder, The Catalyst Men Network International

www.catalystmen.org
Introduction

Male suicide is an ever growing global crisis that demands contextual, compassionate, and community-driven responses. Men within the 27 to 65 age bracket are more likely than women to die by suicide, a reality compounded by sociocultural pressures, faith-related silence on mental health, and a general reluctance among men to seek help. While professional psychological intervention remains vital, it is increasingly clear that non-clinical actors like pastors, lay counselors, friends, and family play a critical frontline role in suicide prevention.

This guide is designed for Christian evangelical non-professionals who desire to understand suicide risk in men and respond appropriately. Grounded in biblical empathy, practical psychology, and community support, this guide introduces the concept of the Male First Responder Specialist, a trained, non-clinical, peer-based responder with contextual awareness of male trauma and mental health distress.

We emphasize that while not replacing clinical care, trained male-specific responders can de-escalate crises, offer immediate emotional support, and refer men to appropriate resources. Through our Professional Male Counseling Certification (PMCC), men and women are trained to act as Male First Responder Specialists within their churches, communities, and families.

 Understanding Suicide Risk in Men

Defining Suicide Risk

In suicidology, suicide risk refers to the presence of factors that increase the probability an individual will engage in self-injurious behavior with the intent to die (American Psychological Association, 2017). Suicide risk is not monolithic; it fluctuates with psychosocial context, stress levels, and individual resilience. For men, elevated risk is closely tied to factors to vulnerability. According to the World Health Organization, men account for nearly 75% of global suicide deaths (WHO, 2021). Factors such as unemployment, marital breakdown, substance abuse, chronic illness, financial crises, spiritual disillusionment, and unhealed trauma significantly heighten this risk. Within evangelical contexts, the stigma surrounding mental health can further isolate men in crisis, making preventive intervention more difficult.

Ten Ways to Assess Suicide Risk in Men Being able to assess suicide risk does not require clinical qualifications. It requires keen observation, contextual listening, and the courage to ask the right questions. Below are ten practical ways to assess suicide risk in men, particularly within the faith community.

1. Notice Changes in Behavior

Sudden shifts in behavior such as increased aggression, withdrawal from church or family, uncharacteristic irritability, or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities may signal emotional distress. These behaviors are often external cries for help masked in masculine language.

2. Recognize Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues

Men may not directly say, “I want to die.” Instead, they may use coded language like “I’m tired of everything,” “You’d be better off without me,” or “I just want peace.” Additionally, silence, persistent fatigue, or disengagement in prayer or spiritual practices can point to internal suffering.

3. Assess for Recent Losses or Life Changes

Major life transitions like job loss, divorce, bereavement, or public failure can destabilize a man’s sense of identity. For many men, self-worth is tightly tied to productivity or provision. Losing these anchors can trigger existential despair.

4. Identify Risky or Self-Harming Behaviors

Engaging in reckless driving, substance abuse, excessive gambling, or unprotected sexual activity may be ways men cope with suicidal ideation. Such behaviors can be seen as a subconscious attempt to end life prematurely or punish oneself.

5. Inquire about Mental Health History

Without invading privacy, find out whether the man has a history of depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health diagnoses. Family history of suicide or psychiatric illness also increases risk.

6. Observe Changes in Faith Engagement

Evangelical men in crisis often wrestle with guilt, spiritual confusion, or feelings of divine abandonment. A sudden disinterest in prayer, Bible reading, or fellowship may indicate spiritual distress that runs parallel to suicidal thoughts.

7. Evaluate Access to Lethal Means

A man with access to firearms, medications, or other means of self-harm who also exhibits suicidal thoughts is in acute danger. Prompt intervention and removal of these items can be lifesaving.

8. Listen for Expressions of Hopelessness

Hopelessness is one of the strongest predictors of suicide. Statements like “Nothing will ever change,” “I’m a burden,” or “This is my fate,” must not be dismissed as passing frustrations. They often point to deeper resignation.

9. Assess Support Systems

Men who feel isolated emotionally, spiritually, or socially are more vulnerable to suicide. Check for healthy relational connections. Does he have anyone he trusts? Is he accountable to anyone? Is he involved in a church group or mentoring relationship?

10. Ask Direct Questions with Compassion

Don’t be afraid to ask, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” or “Have you thought about ending your life?” Asking does not increase risk; rather, it opens the door to life-saving dialogue. Practical Steps to offer support. After identifying suicide risk, the next step is compassionate, informed action. First Responders are not called to fix everything but to serve as calm bridges to professional and pastoral support. The following steps are essential:

1. Stay Present and Calm

Your non-anxious presence can be a powerful balm. Panic, judgment, or unsolicited preaching can shut the door to trust. Practice ministry of presence, be still, listen deeply, and show unconditional concern.

2. Ensure Immediate Safety

If a man is in imminent danger, never leave him alone. Remove harmful items from his environment and call for professional emergency assistance. Do not assume he will “get over it” or “snap out of it.”

3. Connect with Spiritual Anchors

Gently remind the man of his spiritual worth: he is made in God’s image, loved beyond measure, and not alone in his struggle. Offer a prayer if he is receptive, but avoid spiritualizing pain to the point of denial. Jesus wept (John 11:35) and agonized (Luke 22:44). Suffering is not unspiritual.

4. Refer to Professional Help

Encourage the individual to see a licensed Christian counselor or psychiatrist. Offer to go with him, help book appointments, or call someone trusted together. Partnership eases the shame barrier many men face in asking for help.

5. Stay Accountable

Follow up consistently. Text. Call. Meet. Send Scripture and encouragement. Remind him that suicide ideation is not a spiritual failure but a signal that something needs attention. Many men recover through consistent, safe relationships. The Male First Responder Specialist: A New Kind of Training Recognizing the need for non-clinical, gender-specific support for men, the Catalyst Men Network has developed the Professional Male Counseling Certification (PMCC)—a contextual training that equips men and women to serve as Male First Responder Specialists.

Who is a Male First Responder Specialist (MFRS)?

A Male First Responder Specialist is a trained, non-clinical individual who is equipped to:

1. Recognize gender-specific expressions of emotional distress and mental health risk in men.
2. Engage in trauma-informed conversations using biblically grounded, psychosocial strategies.
3. De-escalate crises and offer immediate shoulder to shoulder/man-to-man or peer-level support.
4. Refer at-risk men to qualified clinical or pastoral care providers.
5. Provide follow-up relational support that sustains recovery.

This role does not replace licensed mental health professionals. Rather, it serves as the critical first contact in the community, workplace, or church where men are most likely to open up. The MFRS bridges the gap between silent suffering and structured intervention.

Catalyst Men Network’s Professional Male Counseling Certification formalizes this role, embedding the MFRS within broader systems of pastoral care, mentorship, and male-focused ministry.

Why This Training Matters Traditional counseling approaches often overlook the unique psychosocial and spiritual realities men face. Many well-meaning lay counselors lack tools to decode masculine behavior, assess mental health crises, or intervene meaningfully. Our Male First Responder Training fills that gap. Graduates are not expected to become therapists but are equipped with essential tools to:

• Interpret male emotional behavior through a biblical and psychological lens
• Engage in trauma-informed conversations with men and boys
• Recognize red flags and refer appropriately
• Lead small groups and safe spaces for male vulnerability
• Facilitate healing processes in churches, prisons, marriages, and communities

This training demystifies mental health for the evangelical context and prepares local church leaders, women in ministry, mentors, and community influencers to stand in the gap where many men are silently bleeding. The Role of the Church in Suicide Prevention Churches must become safe havens where men are not shamed for suffering, silenced by stigma, or spiritualized into denial. A suicide-aware congregation includes:

• Sermons that mention mental health alongside spiritual themes
• Prayer ministries that don’t shy away from trauma or depression
• Leadership teams trained in crisis response
• Male-friendly small groups that promote authenticity over appearance
• Resources for pastors to refer congregants in distress

Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10, NIV). Suicide prevention is therefore a gospel mandate. Conclusion Preventing male suicide is both a spiritual and humanitarian imperative. While clinical professionals play a vital role, everyday Christians when equipped with knowledge, empathy, and biblical wisdom can act as first responders in life-threatening situations. We at Catalyst Men Network believe that every local church should have trained Male First Responder Specialists who can discern the quiet suffering in men, interrupt destructive patterns, and channel them toward healing. Through the Professional Male Counseling Training, we aim to raise a generation of counselors, pastors, and laypeople who know what to do when a man is at the edge.

Suicide is tragic but being spiritual is not a solution. Get trained to prevent the next suicide. The time to act is now.