The statistics surrounding male suicide are alarming. Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, and the rate of male suicide has been increasing globally in recent years. In addition to the tragic human toll, suicide has a significant economic impact. The indirect costs, including lost productivity and earnings, are estimated to be much higher than the direct costs. Combating male suicide should, therefore, be a priority for businesses and communities alike.
There are several reasons why reducing male suicide is a business and community responsibility.
Firstly, mental health and men's issues can have a significant impact on a person's work performance and productivity. According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy $1 trillion per year in lost productivity. If male workers are struggling with mental health/pain issues and feeling unsupported, it's likely to have a negative impact on their performance and ability to contribute to their workplace. Secondly, businesses and communities have a responsibility to create a safe and supportive environment for their members. Suicide is often the result of untreated mental health and pain issues such as debt, family separation and grief, which can be exacerbated by a culture of silence and stigma. If people, especially men, feel comfortable speaking openly about their struggles, they are more likely to seek help and receive the support they need before it's too late. By creating a culture of openness and acceptance that encourages open communication, we can help reduce male suicide rates. Lastly, reducing male suicide is everyone's responsibility. Men who are especially vulnerable to mental health issues are often in the prime of their life
s and have a lot to offer their families, workplaces, and communities. Ignoring their struggles and failing to provide support not only harms these individuals but limits the potential and growth of society as a whole.
Business and community leaders need to lead by example.
when it comes to breaking down stigmas and addressing men's issues. It is crucial for leaders to talk about them, show vulnerability, and share their own personal stories. By doing so, they can give their teams the confidence to speak out about their struggles and help remove the stigma surrounding mental health. Leading by example also involves being transparent about potential roadblocks and failures, and showing how they overcame them. By showcasing their own imperfections, leaders can create a culture of openness and empathy in their workplace or community, ultimately leading to a stronger and more connected team.
But where to start? Here are a few actionable steps businesses and communities can take to help address the issue:
1. Offer mental health support and resources: provide access to support groups, and counselling services and make sure that employees and members are aware of what's available. 2. Educate and train employees and members on mental health and men's issues: raise awareness to help them recognize the signs in themselves and their colleagues or community members. 3. Promote a culture of openness and honesty: encourage people to speak up about their struggles and experience while creating safe spaces and support structures. 4. Partner with mental health organizations: businesses and communities can leverage their resources to support charities and advocacy groups fighting for improved mental health care and breaking mental health stigma.
Reducing male suicide is a business and community responsibility, but more importantly, it's a human responsibility. By recognising the prevalence of these issues, breaking down stigma, promoting openness and institutionalising policies and support systems, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for all.
STEVE WHITTLE
Steve Whittle is the heart and soul of TOUGH TO TALK. He's all about creating real, effective solutions for men who need help and making sure donations make a big impact.
Steve's dedication helps turn tough situations into hopeful ones.
In a world where men are often told to "be strong" and hide their pain, Steve knows this approach doesn't work. He's been there and understands how hard it can be to talk about what's really going on. That's why he started TOUGH TO TALK – to break down those barriers and give men a place to open up without fear of judgment.
Steve is committed to changing how we talk about men's mental health, making sure no one has to struggle alone.
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