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There’s no such thing as male privilege when it comes to suicide.
International statistics confirm we’re three times more likely than women to take our own lives. For guys under 45, it’s the primary cause of death.
Though women are worse off in many ways in society, this is one issue that disproportionally affects men.
In New Zealand, it’s arguably our “harden up” rugby-fuelled culture that forces guys to keep their feelings inside and not seek help when they’re having suicidal thoughts.
Overseas, this mentality doesn’t exist to the same extent (though there are exceptions, eg Australia).
However, suicide is still more common among men, all over the world.
What’s going on?
Health professionals, politicians and media constantly talk of the unmet need in terms of this problem (and plans to alleviate the problem), yet the suicide stats don’t go down.
Across Western society it seems all people – not just males – are only deserving of help when they’re already way down the track.
Where are the preventative services? More importantly, why aren’t those most vocal in society pushing to change the burdens that men are faced with?
In addition to talking about more funding for mental health care – more providers and better support for people to manage life’s pressures – why aren’t we also stepping back to figure out how we can relieve those pressures in the first place?
Male privilege extends to most facets of life. Men get paid more, they enjoy unearned advantages and in many parts of society they’re given greater status.
It’s also assumed that they aren’t judged as harshly as women.
I disagree on that last point. While we’re not fat-shamed, age-shamed, slut-shamedor mum-shamed, we are bloke-shamed.
Men are forced to self-censor in order to conform to an ideal that discourages outward expressions of sadness, struggle or weakness. Continue reading
- Lee Suckling is a columnist in the Fairfax suite of newspapers
For counselling and support
- Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time
- Lifeline – 0800 543 354
- Samaritans – 0800 726 666
- Chinese Lifeline – 0800 888 880
(for people who speak Mandarin or Cantonese) - Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
(for young people, and their parents, whānau and friends) - What’s Up – 0800 942 8787
(for 5–18 year olds; 1 pm to 11 pm) - The Lowdown – visit the website, email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626 (emails and text messages will be responded to between 12 noon and 12 midnight)
- SPARX – an online self-help tool that teaches young people the key skills needed to help combat depression and anxiety.
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