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Surveys from around the world find that males everywhere are reluctant to talk about their mental health and are more likely to die by suicide than females. Heres why this may be happening and how some healthcare professionals and researchers are trying to address it. Share on Pinterest Rick Gayle/Getty Images

Across the globe, among many races, ethnicities, and income brackets, males often avoid getting help for their psychological issues.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), males die by suicide at twice the rate of females. And high income countries have the highest suicide rates among males.

In the United States, males make up nearly 80% of all deaths by suicide, report the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Males die by suicide four times more often than females do.

Mental health professionals diagnose depression more often in women than in men, according to the nonprofit Mental Health America (MHA). At the same time, the organization adds, more than 6 million American men experience symptoms of depression annually and most go undiagnosed.

Situational stressors also play a major role in suicide deaths among males, many of whom do not have a documented mental health history, according to a 2021 analysis from the CDC.

These stressors can include anything from relationship troubles to arguments, but all indicate a need for support during stressful transitions, explains a press release from UCLA, the professional home of one of the reports co-authors.

Men are less likely than women to receive formal mental health support of any kind.

Recent research explains why this could be happening and suggests ways to remedy the situation. A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms male, female, or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.Was this helpful? Share on Pinterest Illustration by Diego Sabogal Stigma around mens mental health

On a daily basis, many males find themselves grappling with prescriptive, antiquated ideas about gender and this struggle can contribute to their mental health issues.

It also explains why so many males have a difficult time admitting that they need help and pursuing it.

Sex differences in mental health typically emerge across late childhood and adolescence, wrote Simon Rice, an Australian mental health expert, in The Lancet Public Health in 2021. This time is also when gender norms become entrenched, persisting into later life, whereby they continue to shape mental health and help-seeking.

In 2022, the American Journal of Public Healthpublished a review of studies dealing with the societal stigma surrounding mental illness. It found that men who internalized that stigma were less likely to get help for their psychological issues and more likely to face challenges and a heightened risk for severe mental illness.

Research shows that people who are treated for depression or suicidal thoughts (whether through therapy or medication) are far less likely to think about or attempt suicide.

Sometimes, difficulty with money or other practical issues is linked to suicidal ideation. In times of personal hardship, getting material or emotional support from others has also been shown to reduce these thoughts.

For more research-backed information and resources for mens health, please visit our dedicated hub.Was this helpful? Stumbling blocks for men of color

Men of color and those with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds face additional challenges when it comes to looking after their mental health.

The National Alliance on Mental Health notes that just 1 in 3 Black adults with mental illness receives treatment, despite the fact that they are more likely to experience emotional distress than white adults. Generational racial trauma and violence against people of color, as played out in the news media, intensify this distress.

Members of the Black community may also have difficulty trusting healthcare professionals.

According to MHA, Historical dehumanization, oppression, and violence against Black and African American people has evolved into present-day racism structural, institutional, and individual and cultivates a uniquely mistrustful and less affluent community experience.

Suicide rates have gradually risen among Black and Hispanic adults in recent years, while steadily dropping among white adults, notes the CDC.

American Indian and Alaskan Native individuals have the highest suicide rate of any demographic group. In surveys, members of these groups are 60% more likely than white individuals to say that everything is an effort, all the time. Trauma and lack of resources are contributing factors.

Octavio Martinez, Jr., MD, the executive director of the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, says men of color are more likely to face poverty and violence, higher rates of incarceration, and fewer employment opportunities.

The effect of such disparities on their mental health is a double whammy, he emphasizes.

All of these issues, taken together, act as a further barrier to people of color seeking care for their mental health when they need it. Men may have different symptoms

The same mental health issues can manifest differently in males and females. This is thought to be a possible side effect of their divergent views on mental health.

Males with depression may exhibit higher levels of anger, aggression, and irritability, or showcase their distress in other culturally acceptable ways. Females with depression may display signs of low mood instead.

Symptoms of depression in males can be physiological, such as a racing heart, digestive issues, or headaches. Males may be more likely to see their doctor about physical symptoms than emotional symptoms, says the National Institute of Mental Health.

The organization notes that men who experience depression may self-medicate with alcohol and other substances. However, this can exacerbate their issues and put them at risk of other health conditions.

So what can mental health professionals and policymakers do to ensure that men feel confident and comfortable seeking support, and receive appropriate care?Better mental health education

The first step in addressing mental health issues, researchers say, is expanding general awareness and education around the topic itself.

In a 2016 Canadian Family Physician essay, researchers suggested breaking down the stigma by launching national campaigns that make seeking help a sign of strength and a necessary part of caring for ones overall health.

Community-based programs can help counter risk factors for mental health problems, particularly among elderly men, who may feel isolated and are more likely to attempt and die by suicide than younger men.

However, no intervention is complete until it accounts for groups that face systematic marginalization, such as men of color and those of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds.

Specialists suggest that Black males in the U.S. may be more likely to seek support in informal settings, such as places of worship or barbershops and they benefit from coming together and talking as a group.

Dr. Martinez promotes interventions that encourage men and boys of color and those with diverse backgrounds to connect on a personal level.

Stigma fades when men and boys see resilience and mental health self-care modeled by their fathers, brothers, teachers, faith leaders, and friends, he says. Takeaway

Males are much more likely than females to die by suicide. This disparity may be due, in part, to the greater reluctance among males to seek mental health treatment and internalized expectations around masculine behavior.

Males who experience suicidal thoughts should know that help is available. Therapy, medication, community interventions, and real-world assistance can lessen suicidal ideation and help address depression.
Suicide preventionIf you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:Ask the tough question: Are you considering suicide?Liten to the person without judgment.Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.Stay with the person until professional help arrives.Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Click here for more links and local resources.Was this helpful?

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US

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs denied bail after being convicted over prostitution-related offences

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Sean 'Diddy' Combs denied bail after being convicted over prostitution-related offences

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty of transportation for prostitution following a landmark trial in New York – but cleared of more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.

The hip-hop mogul was accused by prosecutors of abusing and coercing three alleged victims, including his former long-term partner, singer and model Cassie Ventura, and other crimes including kidnapping, arson and blackmail.

Jurors decided not all the allegations were proven – but Combs still faces several years in prison after being convicted of transporting people across the US, including Cassie and another former girlfriend “Jane”, and paying male escorts to engage in sexual encounters.

However, with the not guilty verdict on three other more serious charges – racketeering conspiracy and two of sex trafficking – the 55-year-old has avoided a maximum possible sentence of life behind bars.

Despite a request by his defence team, he was denied bail ahead of sentencing – which has been scheduled for Friday 3 October.

Sean "Diddy" Combs reacts after verdicts are read of the five counts against him, during Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City, New
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Combs appeared upbeat in court as the verdict was announced. Pic: Jane Rosenberg/ Reuters

Marc Agnifilo, part of Diddy’s defence team, described the ruling as “a victory of all victories”.

Outside the courthouse, he said the jury “got the situation right, or certainly right enough”.

Another of his lawyers, Nicole Westmoreland, said: “He actually battled for his freedom, for his innocence, and he did it.

“And, you know, a lot of times, people are too afraid to do it. Today is a major win to show what the system can do.”

The mixed result from the jury came not long into their third day of deliberations. In the courtroom in Manhattan, there were cheers from Combs’s family – and the rapper himself held his hands up in a prayer motion, looking at the jury, and hugged his defence lawyer Teny Geragos.

His mood seemed very different to just a day earlier – when he learned the jury had reached a verdict on four of the five charges, but were split on the racketeering charge.

After deliberating for longer on Wednesday, they came to a unanimous decision.

As the verdict sunk in, Combs appeared overwhelmed, kneeling at his chair and bowing his head in prayer once again.

“I’ll be home soon,” he said as he faced his family members. “I love you, Mum.”

Sean "Diddy" Combs reacts after verdicts are read of the five counts against him, during Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City, New
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Combs later seemed to become overwhelmed with relief. Pic: Jane Rosenberg/ Reuters

The application for bail

Combs’s defence team argued that as he had been cleared of the most serious charges, he should be bailed ahead of sentencing.

His lawyer Marc Agnifilo said he had been a model prisoner and added: “He’s not going to flee. He’s been given his life back.”

But prosecutor Maurene Comey argued Combs had a history of violence, which Judge Arub Subramanian agreed with. “At trial, the defence conceded the defendant’s violence in his personal relationships,” he said.

After being denied bail, Combs attempted get the judge’s attention – but after consulting with Mr Agnifilo, he did not speak.

Sean "Diddy" Combs watches as his former girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura is sworn in as a prosecution witness before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian at Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City, New York, U.S., May 13, 2025 in this courtroom sketch. REUTERS/Jane
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Casandra ‘Cassie’ was heavily pregnant when she gave evidence at the start of the trial. Pic: Jane Rosenberg/ Reuters

Cassie ‘paved the way’

Reacting to the verdict, Cassie’s lawyer Douglas H Wigdor said that although jurors did not find Combs guilty of sex-trafficking Cassie, she had “paved the way” for the other guilty verdicts.

“By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice,” he said.

“We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client, who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial.”

Cassie, who testified heavily pregnant just three weeks before giving birth, displayed “unquestionable strength”, he added, and “brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit”.

Videos of “freak off” sex sessions with male escorts were shown to jurors only during the seven-week trial, with the footage kept private from members of the public and media in court.

Read more:
How the trial unfolded
The rise and fall of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Sean "Diddy" Combs listens as Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Foster questions Ananya Sankar during his sex trafficking trial
Image:
Pic: Reuters/ Jane Rosenberg

Former employees, along with escorts, hotel staff and police officers were among those to give evidence.

Cassie and Jane, who used a pseudonym, also testified. They told the court they were coerced into drug-fuelled “freak offs” – which were also referred to as “hotel nights” or “wild king nights” – with male escorts, and abused throughout their relationships.

Combs’s defence team presented a very different picture to show that sexual acts, including freak offs, were consensual.

They conceded the music star could be violent, had a bad temper and used drugs. He also had multiple relationships at the same time. But crucially, they said, while he was “not proud” of some of his behaviour, none of it made him guilty of the charges against him.

After hearing evidence of flights and travel for escorts and Cassie and Jane, paid for by Combs, as well as hotel bookings across the US and the Caribbean, jurors found him guilty of the transportation to engage in prostitution charges. However, they did not find that the allegations against the rapper amounted to sex trafficking or racketeering.

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CCTV footage shows Diddy ‘attacking’ Cassie in hotel

The Cassie hotel tape

Combs, known variously as Puff Daddy, P Diddy, and Diddy over the years, was once one of the most influential figures in hip-hop – famous as a producer, founder of Bad Boy Records and manager of the late Notorious BIG in the 1990s, as well as a rapper in his own right.

As an artist, he won three Grammys during his career, and had hits including I’ll Be Missing You, Come With Me, and Bad Boy For Life.

In September 2023, he received the “global icon” award from MTV and was given the key to New York City at a ceremony in Times Square, just a few miles away from the streets in Harlem where he spent his first years.

Allegations first came to prominence in November 2023, when Cassie filed a bombshell lawsuit accusing him of coercing her into unwanted sex sessions, as well as blackmail and several incidences of violence.

The suit was settled in 24 hours – for $20m, it emerged during the trial – but months later CNN aired hotel security footage showing Combs punching and kicking Cassie and throwing her to the floor in 2016.

He apologised after the video aired, saying: “I was disgusted when I did it.”

Footage from the hotel incident was shown during the trial.

Following the verdict, the rapper now awaits sentencing. He also still faces several civil lawsuits, most of which were filed in the wake of his arrest in September 2024.

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UK

Four charged after £7m of damage caused to aircraft at RAF Brize Norton

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Four charged after £7m of damage caused to aircraft at RAF Brize Norton

Four people have been charged after £7m of damage was caused to two Voyager aircraft at RAF Brize Norton.

The investigation into the incident early on Friday 20 June was led by counter-terror police.

They have been charged with conspiracy to enter a prohibited place knowingly for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the UK – and conspiracy to commit criminal damage.

Two Voyager aircraft at RAF Brize Norton were damaged. PA file pic
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Two Voyager aircraft at RAF Brize Norton were damaged. PA file pic

The four charged have been identified as:

• Amy Gardiner-Gibson, 29, of no fixed abode

• Daniel Jeronymides-Norie, 35, from London

• Jony Cink, 24, of no fixed abode

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• Lewie Chiaramello, 22, from London

They will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later today.

Brize Norton

A 41-year-old woman arrested last week on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on bail until 19 September.

Meanwhile, a 23-year-old man detained on Saturday was released without charge.

Last month’s incident at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire was claimed by the activist group Palestine Action.

Yesterday, MPs voted to proscribe the group as a terrorist organisation.

The legislation passed with 385 MPs voting in favour, while 26 were against.

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Technology

Datadog stock jumps 10% on tech company’s inclusion in S&P 500 index

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Datadog stock jumps 10% on tech company’s inclusion in S&P 500 index

The Datadog stand is being displayed on day one of the AWS Summit Seoul 2024 at the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center in Seoul, South Korea, on May 16, 2024.

Chris Jung | Nurphoto | Getty Images

Datadog shares were up 10% in extended trading on Wednesday after S&P Global said the monitoring software provider will replace Juniper Networks in the S&P 500 U.S. stock index.

S&P Global is making the change effective before the beginning of trading on July 9, according to a statement.

Computer server maker Hewlett Packard Enterprise, also a constituent of the index, said earlier on Wednesday that it had completed its acquisition of Juniper, which makes data center networking hardware. HPE disclosed in a filing that it paid $13.4 billion to Juniper shareholders.

Over the weekend, the two companies reached a settlement with the U.S. Justice Department, which had sued in opposition to the deal. As part of the settlement, HPE agreed to divest its global Instant On campus and branch business.

While tech already makes up an outsized portion of the S&P 500, the index has has been continuously lifting its exposure as the industry expands into more areas of society.

DoorDash was the latest tech company to join during the last rebalancing in March. Cloud software vendor Workday was added in December, and that was preceded earlier in 2024 with the additions of Palantir, Dell, CrowdStrike, GoDaddy and Super Micro Computer.

Stocks often rally when they’re added to a major index, as fund managers need to rebalance their portfolios to reflect the changes.

New York-based Datadog went public in 2019. The company generated $24.6 million in net income on $761.6 million in revenue in the first quarter of 2025, according to a statement. Competitors include Cisco, which bought Splunk last year, as well as Elastic and cloud infrastructure providers such as Amazon and Microsoft.

Datadog has underperformed the broader tech sector so far this year. The stock was down 5.5% as of Wednesday’s close, while the Nasdaq was up 5.6%. Still, with a market cap of $46.6 billion, Datadog’s valuation is significantly higher than the median for that index.

— CNBC’s Ari Levy contributed to this report.

CNBC: Datadog CEO Olivier Pomel on the cloud computing outlook

Datadog CEO Olivier Pomel on the cloud computing outlook

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