More men die by suicide

GENERALLY, a higher proportion of women have mental health illnesses compared to men. However, the National Suicide Registry Malaysia has revealed that men are three times more likely to die by suicide compared to women. Risk factors include the presence of mental health issues, physical disabilities, a history of substance abuse, past suicide attempts, and an ongoing stressful life event such as serious financial issues and unemployment.

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to an economic slump that has heightened the unemployment rate and job insecurity among workers. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, men comprise the majority of the workforce population – approximately 80%. A sudden loss of income would cause financial stress among men who are often the main breadwinners of the family. At the same time, men who remain employed will experience increased job stress as they are working with tight resources. Both job stress and job insecurity are known determinants of mental health issues.

An important risk factor for suicide is the presence of a mental disorder. It is important that we recognise symptoms of an impending mental health crisis in any individual as this will lead to a life saved. Presenting features, however, can differ between men and women.

Men often present themselves late for assessment and subsequent treatment. Symptoms can also be masked by comorbidities such as alcohol or drug use. The perceived expectation for men to be “macho” can work against them seeking and receiving help. Men also tend to persevere longer, thus complicating early detection, treatment and also prognosis. Moreover, men tend to use coping methods that work against them, for example using substances.

To mitigate this situation, we need to destigmatise help-seeking behaviour among men. Men should be made to understand and accept that they too can struggle with emotional distress.

In Malaysia, treatment is readily available in both public and private services. Men who need help can be assessed by their general practitioner or go directly to a mental health provider of their choice, be it a counsellor, clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. Treatment will be tailored to the problem and might include talk therapy, medication or a combination of both.

Nationwide campaigns targeting this often left out group are timely and important now. Let’s all help in making it easier for our men folk to come forward and seek the help they need and deserve.

ASSOC PROF DR AMER SIDDIQ AMER NORDIN, DR WONG MIN FUI @ ESTHER WONG & ASSOC PROF DR HAZREEN ABDUL MAJID

Universiti Malaya

Note: Assoc Prof Amer Siddiq is the director of UMCares (Community and Sustainability Centre), Universiti Malaya, and Dr Wong and Assoc Prof Hazreen are with the university’s Centre for Population Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine.

Those in need of help can contact the Befrienders on their 24-hour helpline, 30-7627 2929, or the service nearest to you; for a full list of nationwide numbers and operating hours, go to befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia. You can also email [e-mail].