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Volunteers from the Newry/Dundalk branch of Samaritans marked World Suicide Prevention Day by setting out their stall in Newry Bus Centre on Tuesday and handing out information to the public about the services they offer.
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The incidence of suicides amongst men in their middle years is on the increase and Samaritans are calling on society to stop expecting men to conform to the traditional view that “real men” should not need to seek help.
Stigma as a major barrier to suicide prevention is a key theme for this year. The expectations which society has of men contributes to the fact that men are three times more likely to take their own lives than women.
It is the Samaritans' view that men tend to compare themselves to a masculine “gold standard”. This standard often expresses itself in a need to be powerful, successful and, above all, in control.
Not meeting the standard can lead to a sense of shame and defeat.
Men are more likely to use alcohol and drugs when they cannot cope, as opposed to more formal emotional support, such as seeking help or talking to people.
Samaritans have recommended that society needs to move away from blaming men for not being like women, in this respect, and to remove the barriers to men engaging with services.
This is the 40th year that Samaritans have been offering their services in the Newry/Dundalk area, where the local branch of Samaritans is located at 19 St Coleman's Park, Newry,
Samaritans offer non-judgemental, confidential emotional support all day, every day so, if you need to talk, you can call in at the Branch, ring 028 (048) 302 66366, or email them at jo@samaritans.org.
