Men at risk of suicide urged to seek new gender-specific support

With three in four deaths by suicide in Australia being men, tailoring support services is critical, advocates say.

Three in four of the more than 3000 deaths by suicide in Australia last year were male.

Different reasons why men and women die by suicide and the fact men are less likely to seek help has led to a rethink on how to connect at-risk males to support services.

With three in four of the more than 3000 deaths by suicide in Australia last year being male, Australian Men’s Health Forum CEO Glen Poole said gender differences sat behind the statistics.

“Male suicide is not predominantly linked with mental health issues and is more likely to be related to a life crisis situation such as financial issues, relationship breakdowns or work problems,” he said. “So when men go looking for help from mainstream services focusing on mental health they often don’t get the support they need.”

Add to this that men feeling suicidal are “generally pretty terrible” at seeking help, Suicide Prevention Australia acting chief executive Matthew McLean said.

“Men considering suicide are much less likely to have reached out (than women),” he said.

As a result, SPA and AMHF have partnered to create an integrated online platform for men to seek support if they are feeling suicidal, or for others to explore if they are worried about their loved one. The new website, Doing it Tough?, funded by the NSW government, offers services and resources beyond the usual mental health pathway.

“It provides links that wouldn’t necessarily be considered suicide prevention specific, such as services that deal with relationship issues, or links to community-based support groups,” Mr Poole said.

“The other services are listed ... but there is more choice available for men at risk and who wouldn’t benefit from standard mental health and suicide prevention services. (For example) there’s information on lots of male-friendly groups run by men for men.”

Night time brings increased risk of suicide, so online support platforms are also a focus of the new approach.

NSW Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor said the new platform was an important addition to suicide prevention.

“Whether you need to talk to a medical professional or just want to talk to someone who is going through the same thing, Doing it Tough? is a space where men can go to find the help they need,” Ms Taylor said.

Mr McLean said men needed to know they “do not have to do this alone”.

“Help is always available no matter who you are or what situation you are in,” he said.

“If you are feeling distress, please reach out and access the various support services that are available. We can never underestimate the impact that every life lost to suicide has on family, friends, workplaces and the broader community.”

To get help 24/7, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, phone 000 for emergency services.