Men’s Action Network supports and promotes male health and wellbeing

Warning: This article deals with the issue of suicide.

Chris Kerr the co-ordinator of  Men's Action Network said: “We must treat suicides with the same urgency that we treat any other major killer”

And the figures are stark.

The number of suicide deaths in the North of Ireland is at its highest level since 2015, according to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).

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Western Trust figures state there were 16.0 suicide deaths per 100,000 in its area, the second highest in Northern Ireland. 

The latest figures for 2021 revealed there were 237 suicide deaths, one in three of which was someone aged under 30. This is an increase of 8.2% from the previous year. 74.3% of suicide deaths were men and 25.7% were women.

Suicide deaths were highest for men between the ages of 25 and 29 and 45 and 49, while for women the highest number of suicide deaths was between the ages of 20 and 24.

The suicide death rate for both males and females has been on a general upward trajectory since 2019. The rate for males increased from 19.1 per 100,000 males in 2019 to 21.5 in 2021.

For females, the equivalent rate increased from 6.0 per 100,000 females in 2019 to 7.3 in 2021.

Michael Lynch, the director of services and development of Men’s Action Network (MAN), a Derry charity, set up to support and promote male health and wellbeing, said it was imperative an impact was made on the suicide death figures and those in need received the help they require.

He added: “These statistics are not just numbers. These are people in our society. 

“We also have to remember how their families and friends are feeling dealing with this devastating loss.

“As a male mental health (mind fitness) and wellbeing charity, it is MAN’s core aim to educate males in society to understand the impact of suicide, build strong social connections and use these connections when they are feeling vulnerable. 

“We also want to take the stigma away from men in which they see asking for support is somehow a weakness; it’s not. Please ask for support. We can work through the situations together.   We have to ensure that the message of support permeates throughout society. Charities like MAN understand the issues males face and we have services designed to make an immediate and long-term impact,” said Michael.

Michael said that men need to be able to access support in their community and understand what these services are and how they can help change their lives for the better.

“You are not alone,” he said. “We must treat suicides with the same urgency that we treat any other major killer.”

Michael outlined some of the reasons men’s mental health was negatively impacted.

“Traditional male gender roles discourage emotional expression. Men are told they need to be tough and that they should not need to ask for help. Such rigid gender norms may make it difficult for men to reach out and ask for support when they need it; this needs to be broken down.

“Depression may be underdiagnosed in men. Men often do not disclose feelings of depression to their doctors. When they do, it is often described as having problems at work or in relationships. Men also tend to describe their feelings as ‘stress’ rather than sadness or hopelessness.

“Men are less likely to seek help for emotional problems. Research suggests that depression is diagnosed less frequently in men because of the tendency to deny illness, self-monitor symptoms, and self-treat.

“Men may be more likely to self-treat symptoms of depression with alcohol and other substances,” said Michael.

According to Michael, men can be helped by watching for signs of depression. 

“Symptoms of depression in men include irritability, social withdrawal, anxiety, loss of interest or pleasure, physical pains and complaints, engaging in risky behaviours, misusing drugs and alcohol, and being unable to keep up with normal daily tasks,” he said.

“If you notice signs of depression, ask what you can do to help and let them know you are there to listen and help.

“Avoid dismissing or making light of comments that indicate suicidal thoughts or behaviours. If you hear suicidal talk or statements, encourage them to talk to their GP or reach out to charities such as MAN.”

On a societal level, Michael said it was important to identify men who were at risk and offer them support.

“We must prioritise teaching men coping and problem-solving skills to help them manage challenges with work, relationships, and health issues.

“Make mental health support options readily available. Create opportunities that bring people together to form social connections and find support, from organisations  such as MAN.

“MAN has found that too often men visit their GP and don’t fully say how they are feeling or can often leave with medication that may take a while to fully ease their suicidal ideation.

“However, we find these feelings can persist and they may need more immediate support, which they feel is often not there or they feel is not for them. MAN has a Crisis intervention officer who works with men at risk of suicide and support them to maintain their safety. Providing assessment, support, listening ear and connecting them to resources and support available within our organisation but also in the wider community,” said Michael Lynch.

On any given day, three to four men may present to MAN experiencing suicide ideation or actions.

There are multiple factors that can impact a person’s life and lead them to a place where they think suicide is the only option. 

Within MAN’s Crisis intervention service men are supported to understand that Suicide is not the only way out and that there are other options and services available to them; often it is a crisis in their life that impacts them and not their immediate mental health.

MAN offers clients a safe space to talk about their problems and work with them to safety plan, so they are able to maintain their safety and to help them identify and access the resources and support services that are available to them.

Michael added: “MAN’s crisis intervention officer also works with close family and loved ones to help them support the person at risk of suicide.

“Many clients report that in the middle of a crisis it is difficult to ‘see the wood for the trees’  and suicide seems like the only way out. Our role is to help them to take a step back and explore how we can work together to plan a safe route out of the crisis they are facing.  

“While addiction and parental alienation are two of the most common factors we see with clients in crisis, there is a growing number of men presenting to the Crisis Intervention Service as a result of domestic abuse. On one particular day, MAN received four self-referrals from men experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control with many identifying the stigma of being a male victim as a barrier to asking for help sooner.

“Thankfully, MAN has a number of projects funded by the NI Housing Executive, and Derry and Strabane PCSP to support male victims of abuse which has proved a huge resource for male victims who have found themselves experience suicidal thoughts as a result of abuse,” said Michael.

The WORTH funded by NIHE project allows MAN to help men leave their abuser by helping pay for rental deposit of a new home; a unique service in Northern Ireland.

Michael said: “MAN is acutely aware that we provide services in an area of deprivation and sadly that is also reflected in the high suicide rates that we are currently experiencing.

“However, MAN is here to offer immediate support for men at risk to allow them see that suicide is not the answer.

“We understand that Christmas and the New Year can be difficult, and we are open to connecting with anyone who would like to discuss their mental health and wellbeing with our counselling staff.

“We would also like to offer some tips: Acknowledge your feelings – Be honest with yourself and take a breath and gauge how you feel. Reach Out – Ask for support. Let others know how you’re feeling, if it's good or not so good. Stick to a Budget – It’s not about how much money you spend, it's about the time you spend with family/friends.

“Take time for Yourself – Relax and recharge; you’re worth it. Set Aside Differences – Don’t use your energies negatively; build bridges if possible. Decide to say ‘No’ – Empower Yourself. Ask for Support if Needed – We’re here for you as are all charities to offer support,” said Michael.

Men’s Action network can be contacted at: 02871377777 or by emailing: admin@man-ni.org.

If you have been affected by anything in this article, please feel free to contact: Derry Samaritans, 16, Clarendon Street, BT48 7ET. Telephone: 116 123 (free from any phone) or 0330 094 5717 (local call charges apply).