We Need To Talk About Suicide.

 

If you are a man aged 20-49 years and living in the UK today, the most likely thing to kill you is not heart disease, cancer, or a traffic accident — it’s you. 

 

Suicide is the leading cause of death for young people in the UK, affecting three times as many men as women. In 2017, there were 5,821 recorded suicides in Britain, 75% of which were male. In fact, an average of 12 men in the UK take their own lives every single day.

 

Statistically, women are twice as likely than men to be diagnosed with depression. So why are so many young men taking their own lives?

 

Men are Suffering in Silence

 

Men are far less likely to speak up about depression and suicidal thoughts. This can be due to a fear of judgement, a lack of support network or the stigma that still surrounds mental health and depression in parts of our society. 

 

For men in particular, however, unwillingness to talk is often the result of an outdated and harmful belief that expressing emotion is “unmanly”, shameful and a sign of weakness. From a young age, boys are taught to hide feelings of sadness and vulnerability, perpetuating the myth that “real men don’t cry”.

 

Not only is this belief very dangerous, it is simply untrue. Speaking up about suicidal thoughts is not a symptom of weakness — but a sign of strength. In fact, asking for help may be the bravest thing you ever do. 

 

It’s OK Not To Be OK

 

KLens UK’s new radio play, Tonight! The Bus Don’t Run, aims to raise awareness of the need to talk about depression, particularly in men. We passionately believe that no one experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts should have to suffer alone. 

 

So let’s get talking. Talk to your friends. Talk to your colleagues. Talk to your family. And, most importantly of all, be there to listen.

 

Together, we can end the stigma around male depression and mental health. Speak up — you may just save a life. 

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Written by Rachel Nott