Suicide in Young Man with Gynecomastia
This isn’t hair loss related, but it’s something I wanted to write about…
Bullying is one of the evils found in schools, and the spotlight has been placed on this topic as of late. When a young man develops adolescent gynecomastia, he often become the target for bullying and peer ridicule. This is common and often not a subject of focus between parent and child. I have just become aware of a suicide in a 16 year old boy who was the target of bullying when his peers found out that he had breast swelling. His parents did not recognize the social impact on his psyche.
Here’s a post on a gynecomastia forum that serves as a heart-wrenching example of the feelings of a man with breast enlargement, which may be a silent epidemic.
The good news for parents and men with gynecomastia who might read this post is that there is a simple surgical cure for this cosmetic defect. If you are so impacted, look to your communities for doctors who offer treatments.
I have gyne and have struggled with depression my whole life.
It’s really harsh on a person’s mind and I’m glad to see someone posted about it. Thank you, hopefully this will help others.
Hi Drs. Rassman and Pak,
As a gynecomastia surgeon myself, I see the horrific effects that this condition has on a man’s psyche every day. If a patient is severely depressed, it is a good idea for them to first have a psychological evaluation before ever deciding to have male breast reduction surgery. This puts myself, the surgeon, at ease as to their mental state prior to their procedure.
It is extremely sad to hear that someone would take their life because of their gynecomastia. Thank you for making patients aware of this story. Hopefully someone out there will read it and decide to get help rather than ending their life.
All the Best,
Dr. Emmanuel Asare
Advanced Cosmetic Surgery of NY