Men, Divorce, Isolation and Suicide Risk
Divorce is a major life disruption with emotional, social and psychological consequences
Divorce is a major life disruption with emotional, social, and psychological consequences. For many men, the end of a marriage triggers a period of withdrawal from friends, reduced contact with family, and a loss of daily support that was once taken for granted. Social isolation and loneliness are known risk factors for mental health decline and are often reported in narratives of men who take their own lives. Studies of suicide deaths have shown that divorced individuals, particularly men, are more likely to display signs of chronic social isolation before death.¹
Research consistently shows higher suicide risk among divorced men compared with married men. Meta‑analyses across multiple countries and studies report that divorced men have about 2.8 times greater odds of death by suicide than married men.² This elevated risk is not limited to thoughts or attempts but extends to actual deaths by suicide.²
Divorced men also have higher odds of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts relative to married men. One large review found that separated or divorced men were more likely to report suicidal thoughts (1.64 times) and attempts (1.73 times) than married peers.³ These associations were strongest in the immediate period following separation, indicating the first months after a breakup are particularly high risk.³
Age and life circumstances further shape risk. Younger men, particularly those under 35, who are recently separated face much higher odds of suicide than older married men, sometimes by more than eight times.⁴ Lack of employment, lower education, and emotional isolation also contribute to increased vulnerability.³
It is also important to note the broader context of suicide and relationship problems. In the United States from 2003‑2020 about 20 percent of all suicide deaths involved intimate partner problems including separation, divorce and conflict.⁵ This highlights that divorce itself is one of several relationship stressors that can precede suicide.⁵
Men distancing themselves from social networks and emotional support during divorce may compound these risks. Social withdrawal removes protective factors such as regular contact with friends, shared activities, and emotional outlets. Many men struggle to build or maintain alternative networks after divorce, increasing loneliness and psychological strain.
These data do not mean that most men who divorce will consider or attempt suicide. The absolute rate of suicide remains low in the general population. But divorce places many men in a high‑risk group that requires attention from family, friend,s and professionals.
Here are 10 statistics about suicide and divorce in men, with sources you can review at the end.
Divorced men have about 2.8 times greater odds of dying by suicide compared with married men.¹ American Institute for Boys and Men
Men who are separated (but not yet divorced) show an even higher suicide risk, with about 4.8 times the odds of suicide relative to married men.¹ American Institute for Boys and Men
Among younger men (under 35) who are separated, the odds of suicide can be over eight times higher than for married men of the same age.¹ American Institute for Boys and Men
Meta‑analysis data show that divorced or separated men are about 1.64 times more likely to report suicidal thoughts than married men.³ National Elf Service
In the same meta‑analysis, divorced or separated men were about 1.73 times more likely to attempt suicide than married men.³ National Elf Service
In pooled global data, divorce and separation combined are associated with nearly three times the odds of death by suicide for men compared with married men.³ National Elf Service
A broad population assessment found that people who are divorced or separated have more than three times the suicide rate of married adults.⁸ Institute for Family Studies
Some research reports that divorced men are around nine times more likely to die by suicide than divorced women, highlighting the gender gap in suicide among those who have gone through divorce.⁹ Kraayeveld Family Law
In national longitudinal mortality data, divorced or separated males showed about 39 percent higher suicide risk compared to married males, after adjusting for factors like family size and socioeconomic status.¹⁰ PMC
Evidence shows that the period immediately following separation (not just divorce) is linked to the highest suicide risk for men, underscoring the acute vulnerability just after relationship breakups.⁵ PMC
United States Crisis & Suicide Prevention Resources
1. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.)
Call, text, or chat 988 any time for free, 24/7 confidential support and connection to trained counselors for suicidal thoughts, distress or mental health and substance use crises. Available nationwide. 988 California+1
2. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.)
Call 1‑800‑273‑TALK (8255) for immediate crisis support with trained crisis workers. nationaltoolkit.csw.fsu.edu
3. Crisis Text Line (U.S. & some other countries)
Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 confidential support via text message. Crisis Text Line
4. SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline (U.S.)
Call or text 988 or 1‑800‑985‑5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 for crisis counseling specifically around distress, trauma and mental health crises. Mental Health America
5. Veterans Crisis Line (U.S.)
Dial 988, then Press 1, chat online, or text 838255 for 24/7 confidential support for veterans and their families. veteranscrisisline.net
Sources
Identifying social isolation themes in NVDRS narratives shows divorced individuals—including men—had higher odds of social isolation linked to suicide deaths. arXiv
Divorced men had about 2.8 times greater odds of dying by suicide compared with married men. American Institute for Boys and Men+1
Meta‑analysis finds separated/divorced men had higher odds of suicidal ideation (OR 1.64), attempts (OR 1.73) and death by suicide (OR 2.82). ResearchGate
Younger separated men (≤34) had over eight times the odds of suicide relative to married peers. National Elf Service
About 20 percent of U.S. suicide deaths involved intimate partner problems such as divorce or separation. UGA Today