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understanding male suicide
Andy Garland Therapies - Counselling Cardiff - Mental Health Services Cardiff - Cardiff Therapists

Statistics published in the Samaritans Suicide Statistics Report 2017 show there were 6,639 suicides in the UK and Republic of Ireland in 2015. The highest suicide rate during that year was for men aged 40 - 44, with a total of 4,997 males taking their lives in 2015. According to the Samaritans, men are 3 times more likely to take their own lives than women across the UK.

men and suicide

Why men are more vulnerable to suicide than women is still not well understood. In its 2012 report entitled Men and suicide: why it's a social issue, the Samaritans looked at some of the reasons men are more likely to take their own lives.

It shows that men in mid-life are most at risk in terms of age, and that those from the lowest social class and living in the most deprived areas are up to 10 times more likely to die by suicide than others in the highest social class from the most affluent areas.

The report looked at a number of factors that may have an impact on someone taking their own life. Psychiatric illness - especially depression - is linked to many suicides, it says (though it's important to remember only a minority of people with mental health problems take their own life).

some of the other signs that may warn someone is at risk of suicide include the following:

They talk about feelings of hopelessness
They have sudden episodes of rage and anger
They act recklessly and take part in risky activities with no concern for the consequences
They say they feel trapped, and that they can't see their way out of their problems
They self-harm (this includes misusing drugs or alcohol)
They become increasingly withdrawn or appear anxious and agitated
They put their affairs in order (for example they may make a will)

The good news is that, according to Mind, the majority of people who have experienced suicidal feelings go on to live fulfilling lives if they get the support they need. The second of this two-part series of articles about understanding suicide looks at what you can do if you're having feelings about suicide or if you want to help someone you think may be at risk. In the meantime, there are many organisations that can give you advice and support, including the following:
Samaritans

Call 116 123 any day, any time. If you prefer to express your feelings in writing, email jo@samaritans.org.

CALM is a resource for young men who are feeling unhappy. Call the helpline on 0800 58 58 58.

PAPYRUS

This voluntary organisation aims to support young people thinking about suicide and those who are concerned about a young person. Call 0800 068 41 41.

If you feel you're at risk you can also contact your GP for an emergency appointment or call NHS 111. If you need immediate help you can go to any hospital A&E department or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

You can also talk to our trained Support Officers whenever you need emotional support. Our services are free, confidential and available 24/7. Call us on 0800 107 6163 or chat to one of our advisors online, any day or time.

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