International Men’s Day, 2023

Written by: Chigozie Paul

Advocating for Zero Male Suicide

International Men’s Day is a global observance first established in 1999 by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh in Trinidad and Tobago that takes place every year on November 19th. It is a yearly event that focuses on recognizing and celebrating the positive value men bring to the world, their families, and communities.

This year’s theme, “Zero Male Suicide,” seeks to create awareness about suicide, draw attention to how common it is among men, and explore ways to reduce the suicide rate among men.

Suicide is the act of intentionally ending one’s own life. It is a complex and tragic phenomenon that involves a person deliberately causing their death. Suicide can result from a variety of factors, including mental health issues, overwhelming emotional distress, social and economic pressures, and other personal, environmental, or psychological factors.

It is crucial to address the issue of suicide, and the first step in this fight against suicide is to strip it of the stigma surrounding it. The stigma around suicide stems from misconceptions, blame, and societal taboos, and we need to address the stigmatization associated with suicide because it makes suicide a complex topic to discuss and address.

This stigma can lead to isolation and fear, complicating the grieving process for those who have lost a loved one to suicide and preventing individuals from seeking the help they need.

Some ways to address the stigmatization surrounding suicide are by educating the public through awareness campaigns and fostering non-judgmental conversations about mental health through various events. By breaking down these barriers, society can create an environment where individuals at risk feel safe seeking help and where we can collectively work to prevent this tragic loss of life.

Unfortunately, when it comes to suicide, men are disproportionately affected. According to the World Health Organization, suicide rates are typically higher among men than women in almost every country. In 2021 alone, men died by suicide 3.90 times more than women. These statistics are alarming, and so addressing male suicide and promoting mental health is of paramount importance.

Here are four crucial steps to help reduce the suicide rate among men:

• Encourage vulnerability: For some reason, vulnerability from men is often frowned upon, but the truth is vulnerability is a human thing, not a gender thing. Men often hesitate to seek help due to societal expectations. This should not be encouraged. Instead, men should be encouraged to have open conversations about mental health, especially those that emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Raise Awareness: Promote awareness of the warning signs of suicide. Encourage men to look out for each other and to be their brother’s keepers, checking up on each other from time to time and providing support when they can.
• Support Mental Health Organizations: There are many mental health-focused organizations, especially non-profit ones. Identify them and support them. The support could be monetary, or it could be volunteering with them to help provide support and spread awareness about mental health-related issues.
• Recommend Help: People who are suicidal need professional help. Always encourage them to seek professional help and help promote healthy ways to cope with stress and emotional challenges, such as exercise.

We hope that as we celebrate International Men’s Day this year, we are closer to the end of the fight against suicide. By working together to achieve “Zero Male Suicide,” we can make strides in protecting and enhancing the mental well-being of men worldwide.