The Men’s Health Strategy must mark a turning point in male suicide prevention
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One of the biggest killers of men under 50, three-quarters of all suicides are men
“Do not suffer in silence” is a deeply pertinent message for men, particularly for those struggling with mental health issues. Its importance has been highlighted in the government’s landmark Men’s Health Strategy, which was published last month on International Men’s Day.
England’s first plan for the healthcare of men acknowledges some disturbing home truths such as the fact that suicide is one of the biggest killers of men under 50 and three-quarters of all suicides are men.
I spoke about my own experience in a recent Commons debate. Like far too many others, I have been personally impacted by male suicide having lost a good friend literally just a year ago.
A year on, I know that for me, and all those who were part of his life, the initial shock may have gone but the sense of loss and pain has not – nor have the endless ‘what if?’ questions, none more so than for my friend’s husband.
We often forget that suicide has a profound impact on those left behind, especially partners. Suicide survivors, as they are known, are likely to develop depression, PTSD and to need psychiatric care. Most worryingly, people bereaved by suicide are 65 per cent more likely to take their own life than someone bereaved by natural causes.
The highest rates of suicide are among men aged 40 to 54. Many of these men had been in contact with either their GP or other primary care services prior to their death. Only 33 per cent of referrals to NHS talking therapies were for men, although 75 per cent of all suicides are males.
Change is urgently needed. The Men’s Health Strategy aims to help men and boys get on and live longer, healthier lives in many areas, particularly in managing their mental health and in preventing suicide.
We often forget that suicide has a profound impact on those left behind, especially partners
When men’s health suffers, it has a significant impact on families, workplaces and communities – and that’s why something needs to be done.
I welcome this strategy, which marks a turning point. It provides comprehensive, co-ordinated action to address the health challenges facing men and boys and, importantly, the government has committed £3.6m in funding to deliver neighbourhood-based suicide prevention support pathfinders for middle-aged men.
These support pathfinders will tackle the barriers middle-aged men face in seeking support and will be inspired by approaches such as free to attend peer-to-peer support groups. There are some excellent examples of groups already operating and doing great work in this space such as Andy’s Man Club, where men can come and talk with other men as a group in a safe environment, and the Men’s Sheds Association, which gives men a place to come together and make, repair and repurpose things while having a chinwag.
The strategy also includes many other measures such as workplace health pilots, enhanced lung disease support for former miners, and funds for research to help prevent, diagnose, treat and manage the major male killers and causes of unhealthy life years in men.
We absolutely need to keep the focus on supporting men’s health, especially their mental health. I want to see men’s spaces such as football clubs continue to evolve to be more supportive of men’s emotional needs. It is therefore great to see the new Together Against Suicide partnership between the Premier League and the Samaritans.
For me, I pledge to continue working through the APPG for Male Suicide to drive and promote better mental health because we must see suicide rates coming down before we lose too many more of our sons, brothers, fathers and partners.
David Burton-Sampson is Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh, and officer of the Male Suicide APPG
