The relationship between types of depressive changes and suicidal thoughts in middle-aged Korean males

Abstract

In this study, we explored the issue of depression and suicide ideation among middle-aged men in South Korea over a five-year period, focusing on an often overlooked yet pressing concern. Our main objective was to identify shifts in levels of depression and their potential influence on suicide ideation, focusing particularly on single-person households. By using data from a national health survey, we conducted extensive analyze which accounted for various sociodemographic factors. Analyses indicate that despite their depression levels being relatively low on average, middle-aged men exhibited increased suicide ideation due to low recognition of their own level of depression. Our analyses suggest that we need to develop depression prevention programs and labor support measures that are tailored to the specific circumstances and psychological characteristics of middle-aged men if we are to address this serious problem.

Keywords

• depression in middle-aged men
• suicidal ideation
• men’s mental health
• single-person households
• public health policies