#JamesDonaldsononMentalHealth – Three Quarters Of #Suicides Are #Male – Why Aren’t #Men Seeking Help For Their #MentalHealth

Marie Claire Dorking

In the UK, someone takes their own life every two hours and according to research, #men are three times more likely to take their own lives than #women – with #men alone accounting for three quarters of suicides.

#Male #suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 45.

In 2018, there were 6,507 #suicides registered in the UK, with 4,903 of them being among #men.

Those are some pretty terrifying statistics to get your head round ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10).

Culture of silence

But though these steps are encouraging, when it comes to the issue of #male #mentalhealth and #suicide the conversation is most definitely stalling.

According to experts this partly stems from #men being unwilling or feeling unable to open up if they’re suffering.

“#Men are less likely to admit when they feel vulnerable compared to #women, whether to themselves, family, friends, or a doctor,” explains Nick Gibbens, spokesperson for #men’s #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention charity, Lions Barber Collective.

“They also can be more reticent than #women to see a GP.”

But keeping their emotions bottled up often means #men are unable to deal with their issues and as a result they are much more likely to take their own life.

#JamesDonaldsononMentalHealth – 

Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.


Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.


Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle



 

Chloe Ward, TMS Technician at Smart TMS, a specialist provider of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy (rTMS), a technological breakthrough in the treatment of #depression, believes there are a number of reasons #male #suicide statistics are so concerning right now.

“One reason may be the personality trait of impulsivity – the tendency to act without properly thinking about the consequences,” she explains.

“#Men are on the whole more likely to be impulsive than #women, maybe leaving them more vulnerable to spur-of-the moment #suicidal behaviour. ”

Although Ward points out that not all #suicidal attempts are impulsive, there is a clear correlation found between alcohol use increasing impulsivity and a clear correlation between alcohol use and #suicide.

“There is no single reason why #men take their own lives as #suicide is complex but what is known is that the #male #suicide rates are increasing more by the year,” she says.

And according to Gibbens research also shows that #male #suicide methods are often more violent, making them more likely to be completed before anyone can intervene.

What is stopping #men seeking help for their #mentalhealth?

According to Nick Gibbens it’s not that men don’t have the same issues as women – but they’re less likely to actually know they have whatever stresses or #mentalhealth conditions that are putting them at greater risk of #suicide.

“Men tend to believe that opening up about their feelings is a sign of weakness and it’s not considered to be ‘manly’,” he explains.

“This often starts in childhood as we tend to tell boys that ‘boys don’t cry’. We condition boys from a young age to not express emotion, because to express emotion is ‘weak’.

“Of course the exact opposite is true and it shows great coverage and strength to admit that you have a problem and to stand up and deal with it.”

What should #men do if they are struggling with their #mentalhealth?

According to Earim Chaudry, Medical Director at Men’s wellness platform Manual the first step is opening up to someone about what you are going through.

“While it can be really hard at first, a big part of being proactive about your #mentalhealth is seeking help and reaching out,” he says.

“Whether that’s going to your GP or looking for a counsellor, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to managing your #mentalhealth, but communicating how you’re feeling is imperative.”

Chaudry also believes a healthy lifestyle can do wonders for your mind.

“Going outside for a jog, getting a good night’s sleep and a healthy diet can play a large role in feeling good again,” he says.

“Putting in a little time to connect with others is also a great part of looking after your #mentalhealth,” he adds.

“Setting aside some time to chat to a friend every week, volunteering and activities with your family are all ways you can really feel like you’re establishing connections with other people.”

Ward would like to see #men being given time to talk in an environment they feel comfortable in, where they are not judged and listened too.

“Whether this is in the form of counselling or even in the form of meet-ups with individuals who may be going through a similar thought process,” she says.

“#Men need to know it is okay to talk about their #mentalhealth, it doesn’t change how people see and perceive them but if they are struggling they should not be struggling alone.”

Time to Change have kicked off a five year campaign, In Your Corner, to encourage #men to be in their mate’s corner and be more open and supportive of those fighting a #mentalhealthproblem.

“We want to put #mentalhealth on the radar and show that you don’t need to be an expert to be there for someone struggling with their #mentalhealth,” says Sue Baker, OBE, Director of Time to Change, the #mentalhealth anti-stigma campaign run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.

“Essentially, it’s about being a good friend – just doing everyday, ordinary things can make a big difference.”

Baker suggests a couple of simple measures people can adopt to help someone who might be battling a #mentalhealthproblem.

• Text, call, reach out to your mate
• Ask how they are, listen without judging
• Be yourself, do everyday things.

The Lions Barber Collective is also trying to address the culture of silence by turning barbershops into safe spaces for #men to start conversations about #mentalhealth.

The group is having an enormous impact with #men who traditional #mentalhealthservices can struggle to reach.

“A survey we commissioned with The Bluebeards Revenge #male grooming brand back in 2017 actually showed that #men were much more willing to talk to their barber about #mentalhealthissues than their doctor,” Nick Gibbens explains.

“#Men are able to build up a great relationship with their barber and feel safe to speak as they know they will not be judged.”

If you’re concerned about #suicidalthoughts you can contact the Samaritans anytime – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – and the number 116 123 is free to call.

To find a #therapist in your area visit http://www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk/

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James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.

James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.

In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.

He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.

James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!

For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:

www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
[email protected]
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)

James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.

If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at [email protected] and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org