Three quarters of the more than 700 people who died by suicide in Andalucia last year were men, official figures have confirmed.

Data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) show 733 suicide deaths were recorded across the region in 2025, comprising 560 men and 173 women.

That means 76.4% of those who died were male, highlighting a striking gender disparity that mental health organisations say cannot be explained by a single factor.

The overall suicide mortality rate in Andalucia did fall, from 9.50 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024 to 8.41 per 100,000 in 2025.

However, experts and campaigners say the disproportionate number of male deaths remains a major public health challenge.

The ‘gender paradox’

Researchers have long described what is known as the ‘gender paradox of suicide’.

The concept, associated with researchers Silvia Sara Canetto and Isaac Sakinofsky, describes a pattern observed in numerous countries.

Essentially, women report more suicidal thoughts and make more suicide attempts, yet considerably more men die by suicide.

There are several possible explanations.

One is the lethality of the methods involved. Research cited by health organisations indicates that men are more likely to use methods with a greater likelihood of resulting in death, reducing the opportunity for medical intervention.

But specialists argue that the disparity begins much earlier than the final moments of a crisis.

Traditional expectations surrounding masculinity can discourage some men from acknowledging psychological distress, discussing their emotions or seeking professional help.

Spanish suicide prevention association Papageno has highlighted the continuing influence of ideas linking masculinity with strength, self-sufficiency and emotional restraint.

The result can be that some men wait longer before telling anyone they are struggling.

Research from the University of Malaga has also examined differences in how men and women respond to psychological distress.

Women are more likely to turn to support networks and professional services, while men can be more prone to isolation, according to research cited by the campaign.

Higher alcohol consumption among men is another potential risk factor, particularly because intoxication can reduce inhibition and impair judgement during an acute crisis.

Specialists said there is an interaction between psychological, social and behavioural factors that may help explain the substantial difference in mortality.

Where are suicide rates highest in Andalucia?

The 733 deaths from suicide in 2025 were not evenly distributed across Andalucia.

In absolute numbers, Sevilla recorded 152 deaths and Malaga 136, although both are among Andalucia’s most populous provinces.

Looking instead at deaths relative to population produces a different picture.

Jaen recorded Andalucia’s highest suicide mortality rate, at 10.99 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, narrowly ahead of Huelva at 10.91.

Granada followed at 9.68, Cordoba at 9.31 and Almeria at 8.50.

Sevilla’s rate was 7.65 and Malaga’s 7.55, while Cadiz recorded the lowest rate in Andalucia at 6.96 per 100,000.

Campaign targets men

The gender disparity is now at the heart of a new campaign by the Andalucian Mental Health Federation and the Official College of Psychology of Western Andalucia (COPAO).

Launched around World Suicide Prevention Day under the slogan ‘Don’t let fear paralyse you, ask for help’, it focuses particularly on men and the social pressures that can encourage them to conceal distress or try to cope alone.

Manuel Movilla, president of the Andalucian Mental Health Federation, spoke about his own experience with mental health and the difficulty many men encounter in admitting they need support.

‘Many of us men were taught to keep quiet, endure and carry on as though nothing was happening,’ he said.

‘But silence weighs heavily.’

Movilla stressed that encouraging people to seek help is not enough unless adequate services are available when they do.

The organisation is calling for a coordinated response involving healthcare and social services, education, public authorities, charities, the media and wider society.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.