Dialing up the social factors that lead to male suicide
The Australian Men’s Health Forum seeks to highlight the social factors that contribute to male suicide and suicide prevention and to support those organisations working to develop male-friendly services to improve health outcomes from men in Australia.
As we mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2019, research continues to show that the majority of male suicides are not primarily linked to a mental health diagnosis.
A recent study of male farmer suicide found that 78% of the suicides were predominantly associated with either relationship issues/family breakdown or work and financial issues.
Check out our Male Suicide Know Your Man Facts fact sheet.
And a new survey commissioned by Suicide Prevention Australia reveals that two in three regional Australians personally know someone who has completed suicide.
The survey showed that relationship breakdowns were the biggest risk for suicides with 92% of respondents naming this as the key factor, ahead of drugs and alcohol (67%), financial pressure (64%) and social isolation and loneliness (60%).
Having a mental health condition was not always a marker.
In Ballarat, in the central highlands of Victoria, suicide is 30% higher than the state average, with 60 male suicides recorded from 2013-17.
Suicide directly affects about 135 people from immediate family to work colleagues, estimates Ballarat’s Lifeline program manager Michelle MacGillivray.
"For too long it's been a taboo subject, but we need to bring it out of in the open - out of the shadows," she told the Ballarat Courier.
"People complete suicide because they're in crisis," Ms MacGillivray said, "...These (risk concerns) are all very big factors. Just being aware of people who are struggling and what's going on in their life at this time is important."
UK men at breaking point
New research from the UK reports that six in 10 men want to quit their jobs because it is affecting their mental health, and don’t feel they can discuss their mental health problems with their boss.
The survey from CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job board, interviewed 2000 UK workers.
“Statistics show that suicide is the most common cause of death amongst men aged 20-49 and something clearly needs to change in order to ensure men have the support they need. Our findings suggest it starts in the workplace, so employers have an important role to play here,” said Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library.
Male respondents suggested that the following would make the working day less stressful:
- Promote a healthy work/life balance (54.3 percent)
- Refer employees to a counselling service (39.8 percent)
- Reduce pressure to work longer hours (36.4 percent)
- Allow employees to take time out when they need to (31.2 percent)
- Talk more openly about mental health (30.1 percent)
Babana Dial-a-Brother
One recent example of a male-friendly support initiative comes from Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group, who have launched ‘Dial a Brother’ to highlight suicide prevention in its communities.
Developed over the last six months, the group's message is simple - if you're feeling stressed dial a brother for a yarn. If you feel as though someone may be doing it tough dial a brother.
“A conversation at just the right time can make all the difference ... and it’s always a good time to have a yarn,” says Babana.
“Each of us can make a difference so make sure you SHARE the message and let’s all work hard for more of our people to live long and healthy lives.”
The theme for Babana’s annual Aboriginal suicide prevention awareness day on 13 September is, “action in communities.”
“Our belief is simple; empower a community to action and we will achieve impact,” says Babana. “But to do that you need to engage with the community, listen and understand what it is they want and develop services and responses to fit that need.
The Awareness activities will take place on Goat Island in the middle of Sydney Harbour on Friday 13 September.
Attendees will be transported aboard the Tribal Warrior Vessel the Mari Nawi for a day of culture and community, workshops and guest presenters. Workshops will once again take place around the island and focus on community-based need and how service providers can better engage with people and families on the ground.
For more information contact: [email protected] or visit the event's Facebook page.
TAKE ACTION FOR MEN'S HEALTH
Four ways you can help tackle male suicide (AMHF)
Male Suicides in Australia up 10% in 2017 (AMHF)
Read Position Paper:The Need For Male Friendly Approaches To Suicide Prevention In Australia (AMHF)
View Presentation:How To Develop A Male-Friendly Approach To Suicide Prevention (AMHF)
Read: New Bendigo support group for men to kick off (AMHF)
Read: New report reveals shocking male suicide statistics (AMHF)