4 IN 5 SUCIDES ARE BY MEN!
By men's health forum
Are you as shocked as I was about the statistics above?
Are you wonder how and why as I was?
Are you in disbelief as I was about the nationwide statistics?
What is the solution if any?
Statistics show that more women seek help with their well-being than men. However, more men are attempting and completing suicide. We no longer use the word "commit suicide" because it is not a crime, they did not commit a crime. They were in a dark place and felt that was a way out. In the UK it is no longer a crime since 1961, that is just over 50 years ago, the individuals who survive the attempted suicide used to be fined or imprisoned, their family members were punished too, not just by being humiliated. Suicide Act 1961 also prevented and put a stop to individuals who completed their suicide; families are no longer being prosecuted in the UK. It became a crime in the 13th century, however, before that, it was seen as a mortal sin to God, by churches and their members; however, some in churches still believe till today.
The law saw IT BEFORE 1961 AS 'SELF - MURDER' A CRIME, JUST LIKE MURDER OF ANOTHER HUMAN.
The phrase 'commit' when referring to suicide is still in common usage around the UK and the rest of the world, despite mental health professionals no longer using the word because it insinuate that someone has committed a crime or committed a sin.
"If you buy into the religious perspective it is a sin to murder one-self. When you say commit you suggest that person is making a rational decision." Dr Caroline Simone.
The word 'commit' is not used by Samaritans, BBC guidelines advise against its use, so does Floating Counselling and other Talking therapists.
Many other countries around the world still see it has a crime, instead of what we know it is in UK. We know it is just like any physical health, when the person gets so ill they die, if they are not given the right help, support and if they do not seek help immediately, it can lead to death. Just like any physical disease and virus, others around them also get affected, during the illness, and after their death.
Research has found that up to 1 in 25 new fathers become depressed after having a baby.
Men are less likely to get therapeutic help, and when they do, it is usually at breaking point. The Samaritan's research in 2015 showed that suicide is highest in men at age 35-44, men accounted for 76% of these types of death in 2014, 78% in 2013, however, in 2012 the research showed it was highest amongst 40-44-year-olds, and the reasons vary. However, the main are: Men often feel they must have power, control and invincibility, as soon as they are not achieving this, their ego and sense of self-gets affected. Due to more females in the workplace and lack of a lot of traditional male industries, this control of power and their need to be in control, are all seen as masculine attributes, lack of this has lead to men going down the path of suicide. The feeling of never been able to be weak, always being the breadwinner, not making enough money, comparing self to their peers, but confused as to who their peers are. Confusion is around who their peers are? 30 and under, or older people in their 40's, 50's, this uncertainty can also affect what they feel they should have achieved in their life, by their age. During these age bracket, most men are dependant of their partners for emotional support, and most males do not share their feelings; therefore their partners are less likely to help them around this.
Men are more likely to take risks, leading to regret, which adds to feeling low “The results of this research, together with the latest mortality statistics, show that we urgently need to raise the nation’s awareness of this hugely important and under-discussed issue,” said Jane Powell, the chief executive of Calm. “This isn’t an issue which affects ‘other people’ or one that can be solely reasoned to mental health issues, considering suicide is clearly something many men will consider should their life circumstances change.” Suicide and silence: why depressed men are dying for somebody to talk to. Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50. For that to change, the stigma of mental illness must be challenged.
She said the reasons men gave, for not discussing the issue reinforced the “norms of what society thinks it is to ‘be a man’ – not to talk about their feelings or make those around them worry”.
Future solution:
*Training available for all - FREE SUCIDE TRAINING
Once we all realise and men especially understand we are all humans, we all have a variety of emotions. They can then start accepting that we may all feel weak sometimes, we may feel sad and overwhelmed with life, we sometimes need others to help us, but the solution is not silence, the solution is to get help from professionals, someone you can trust, someone who is non-judgemental. It is also important for them to be honest with their spouse, on how they are feeling, communication is essential. Below are list of 7 organisation aimed at supporting men in UK.
Movember foundation (Movember Europe) use moustache to raise awareness and money for men's health, both physical and mental health. Mo Bros and Mo Sistas rally to support the cause, get people talking and raise funds for men’s health projects. Floating counselling aims to host a monthly Event in November to focus on men's health.
Website: uk.movember.com/mens-health/mental-health
Email: info.uk@movember.com
Telephone: 020 7952 2060
Men's Heal is another website that has useful resources, however the company currently seems inactive, but their website has useful tools, articles, poems, information and lists of other organisation that can be helpful to individuals, especially men. www.menheal.org.uk
Men's advice line is aimed to support men experiencing violence and abuse, their website has useful information around this issue.
Website: mensadviceline.org.uk
Email: Info@mensadviceline.org.uk
Telephone: 0808 8010327
Their number is free from landline and major mobile phone providers
Dads Matter UK provides support for dads worried about or suffering from Depression, Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Their website is not only full of useful information, and contact details, it also has useful tips, as well as memory exercises. As any parent knows, sometimes memories becomes a problem, as anyone dealing with mental health issues, memory can be a problem too.
Website: www.dadsmatteruk.org
Men's sheds is an organisation that creates groups where men can come together to do practical activities and projects together
Website: www.menssheds.org.uk
Email: admin@ukmsa.org.uk or email dos@menssheds.org.uk
Telephone: 07763 021018 or 07933 954061
DYN project are aimed at men experiencing domestic abuse, their website has useful information, tips, training and links.
Website: www.dynwales.org
Email: Support@dynwales.org or Info@dynwales.org
Telephone: 0808 801 0321
Mighty men of valour offer support, training, mentorship, advocacy and employment support for male.
Website: www.Mightymenofvalour.org
Email: Mightymenofvalour@live.co.uk
Telephone: 0800 073 1325 or 07958 770 779
www.nhs.uk/conditions/Postnataldepression/Pages/Introduction.aspx
www.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/18/male-suicides-three-times-women-samaritans-bristol
www.theguardian.com/society/2015/nov/02/men-account-for-76-of-suicides-in-2014-says-charity