According to 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) global observatory data, 800,000 suicide cases were reported annually for both genders. In some countries, suicide rates are highest among the young, and is the second leading cause of death among the 15−29-year-olds globally. As attempted suicide is illegal in certain countries, these figures can be under-reported.
Generally, women have a higher proportion for mental illness compared to men. However, the National Suicide Registry Malaysia (NSRM) has revealed that men have a higher risk (three times) of committing suicide, compared to women. Risk factors include the presence of mental illness, physical disability, a history of substance abuse, past suicide attempts, and an ongoing stressful life event, such as serious financial issues or unemployment.
The current Covid-19 pandemic has led to an economic slump that worsened the unemployment rate and job insecurity among workers. Based on workforce statistics from the Malaysian Department of Statistics, the majority of those that make the workforce population are men (approximately 80 per cent).
A sudden loss of income will cause financial stress among men, who are often the main breadwinners of their families. On the other hand, men who remain on the job will experience tremendous job strain, as they are working with insufficient resources. Both job strain 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 equally important for us to recognise symptoms of an impending mental health crisis in individuals, 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 other comorbidities such as alcohol or drug use.
The personalities of men or the perceived expectation to be “macho” can work against seeking and receiving help. Men tend to persevere until it is too late, thus complicating early detection, treatment and also prognosis. Moreover, methods to cope, for example, using illicit substances, might also work against them.
Some methods which might help in mitigating this situation is by destigmatising 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 health care services. Men who need help can be assessed by their general practitioner or come directly to a mental health provider of their choice, be it a counsellor, clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
Treatment will be tailored towards the problem, and might include talking therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Nationwide campaigns targeting this often-left-out group is timely and important. Let’s all help in making it easier for our men folk to come forward and seek the help they need and ultimately deserve.
Dr Amer Siddiq Bin Amer Nordin, Dr Wong Min Fui, and Dr Hazreen Abdul Majid are from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
