Background: Several barriers contribute to the complexity of comprehending and addressing men's hesitation to seek help in a suicidal crisis. This study investigates the utilization behavior of support services by men in the weeks before committing suicide from the perspective of close relatives. The aim of this study is to determine how men currently avail themselves of support services before suicide and to identify barriers and reinforcing factors influencing this behavior. Methods: Fifteen qualitative postmortem autopsy interviews were conducted with individuals who had lost a close male relative to suicide within the last three to twelve months. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. At the time of the interviews an average of 6 months had passed since the suicide. The most common relationship to the relatives was a brother (40%), a son (27%), a partner or husband (20%), or father or stepfather (13%). Results: The interviews with the relatives revealed that every man who later died by suicide had sought help before. Perceived support included both professional assistance and support on a personal level through the social network, with the latter playing a particular gatekeeper role. Additionally, four barriers to seeking help were identified: (1) rejection of professional help (f.e. negative experiences with previous support services, refusal of inpatient or outpatient treatment) (2) rejection of assistance from the social network (f.e. shame) (3) individual attitudes of the deceased, and (4) barriers from the perspective of family members (f.e. stigmatization of mental illnesses, and the traditional concept of masculinity). Strengthening the social network, expanding support services, and implementing awareness campaigns were identified as facilitators. Discussion: These results provide insights into the help-seeking behavior of men before their suicide and the barriers to accessing appropriate help. Suicide prevention measures should be tailored to the needs of men and their specific help-seeking behavior, aiming to reduce barriers.