Men and Suicide
Of all the suicides recorded in the UK over 75% of them are men. It is is the most common cause of death for men aged 20-49 years. This is a mental health crisis which seems to get very little play in the media. The worst of it is that this is a preventable cause of death. It is something that all of us, both professional and lay person can take an active role in.
For the lay person, reach out to your friends and family. If they are looking or acting in a way that you would not expect. If they seem down and fatalistic, please engage with them. You do not have to be a professional to help a person feel connected with the world around them. Which is one of the predominant reasons for suicide, that feeling of not being connected with anyone.
For professionals, the route is far more clearly defined. Wherever possible we intervene in order to assist the client to work through the issues which have dragged them into this negative place. Work with these people from a perspective of non judgement and empathy in order for them to feel safe enough to share their ideations in order for them to hopefully be well.
We all have a part to play to end the scourge of suicide in the UK.
