The Black Dog Institute have released new data outlining major risk factors in males which may lead to suicide attempts. According to Black Dog, men account for 80% of suicides in Australia, roughly 2000 each year. The goal of the research is to understand why males are at risk and develop strategies to combat the issue.
The information was collected from a group of men who had attempted suicide in the past. Of all the men interviewed, four risk factors were consistent within the group – a period of disrupted or depressed mood, unhelpful conceptions of masculinity (the ‘tough Aussie male’ stereotype), social isolation and personal stressors (e.g. unemployment, relationship breakdown).
Associate Professor Judy Proudfoot, who is fronting the study, notes how the research identifies the disparity between men and women in this area.
“Many Australian men are not good at dealing with poor mental health and unfortunately this tips them into a downward spiral of hopelessness, poor decision-making and poor resilience to day-to-day life stresses.”
“Whilst the data is preliminary, these results clearly demonstrate that one size does not fit all when it comes to tackling the increasing problem of male suicide in Australia.”
“We urgently need more tailored mental health programs for men in different situations, and Black Dog researchers are currently using these results to develop an online tool that can be personally tailored to provide evidence-based psychological treatment for users.”
If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available;
Lifeline: 13 11 14
beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / beyondblue.org.au
QLife: 1800 184 527 (Free) / qlife.org.au
(QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTI people)
OiP Staff
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