Recently there was a media storm connected to the idea men's suicide being taken as a side show or a joke by a famous pundit Ava Evans aka Santina and journalist Laurence Fox lost his cool and roasted her for what he perceived as a dismissive attitude and the media went nuts. Hugh and Soliman Mathews make an analysis of the whole affair.
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What does it mean to be suicidal?
Suicidal feelings can be confusing, frightening and complicated. They can range from having general thoughts about not wanting to be here to make a plan about how and when you could end your life. You might feel less like you want to die and more that you want the pain to stop.
You might feel:
hopeless or trapped
tearful, anxious or overwhelmed by negative thoughts
desperate
tempted to do risky or reckless things because you don’t care what happens to you
like you want to avoid other people
What can make someone want to end their life?
Suicide is complex, and there is no single explanation of why people die by suicide. There are many different risk factors, including:
previous suicide attempts, or previous self-harm. Many people who self-harm don’t want to die. However, research shows that people who self-harm are at higher risk of attempting or dying by suicide
being unemployed
having a physical health problem, including chronic pain
living alone
being dependent on alcohol or drugs
having mental health problems
There may not be an obvious reason why someone feels suicidal. But whatever the cause, there is help available.
What can I do if I feel suicidal?
Why don’t men talk about mental health?
Society's expectations and traditional gender roles play a role in why men are less likely to discuss or seek help for their mental health problems. We know that gender stereotypes about women - the idea they should behave or look a certain way, for example - can be damaging to them. But it’s important to understand that stereotypes and expectations can also damage men.
Men are often expected to be the breadwinners and to be strong, dominant and in control. While these aren’t inherently bad things, they can make it harder for men to reach out for help and open up.
Men may also be more likely to use potentially harmful coping methods such as drugs or alcohol and less likely to talk to family or friends about their mental health. However, research suggests men will get the help that meets their preferences and is easy to access, meaningful and engaging. For example, Men’s Sheds provides community spaces for men to connect and chat, often over practical activities.
Suicide and men
In 2021, there were 5,583 suicides registered in England and Wales. Around three-quarters of the suicides were males. Suicide is the largest cause of death for men under 50.
Higher rates of suicide are also found in minority communities, including war veterans, and those with low incomes. Less well-off middle-aged men are particularly likely to die by suicide.
If you have seriously harmed yourself or don’t feel that you can keep yourself safe right now, call 999 or go straight to A&E.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts and need support, you can:
call your GP and ask for an emergency appointment
call NHS 111 for out-of-hours help
contact your mental health crisis team if you have one.
There are many free helplines available.
Samaritans offer a support service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call them free on 116 123.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) has a helpline (5 pm to midnight) and webchat for anyone who’s having a tough time and needs to talk.
Papyrus supports people under 35s who have thoughts of suicide and others who are concerned about them. You can call their HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967. They’re open every day from 9 am to midnight.
Samaritans have practical tips on dealing with suicidal feelings.
2 окт 2024
