5 Reasons Why We Need International Men's Day

Tragically, as many will already know, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women (74.1% of deaths by suicide are men).

These are some of the reasons why the modern world can be especially challenging for men.

1. Changing Gender Roles

Unfortunately there is still a long way to go before we achieve gender equality and women are not the only ones suffering from the fact that the shift has only been partial. Men are expected to be both emotionally available as well as strong, silent, providers - that's a headf*ck.

2. Economic Pressures

Let's face it, it's been pretty bleak out there for a long time now and, because men are generally still socialised to see themselves as the primary breadwinners, if they're struggling to provide for their families it may well feel like an existential crisis.

3. Lack Of Support Networks

Progress has been made but there's still a long way to go before men feel as safe and empowered as women to speak about their feelings to each other and to professionals. This means that men who are suffering are more likely not to have help.

4. Lack Of Meaningful Relationships

The availability of porn, the transactional nature of some online dating, shifting gender roles, idealised relationships depicted in social media.... Forming meaningful connections today is incredibly tough and peer pressure can make it especially hard for men.

5. Parenting Pressures

Men are expected to play a more equal role in parenting these days, which is generally a positive development. However, life often makes it hard for men to meet expectations - whether it's class WhatsApp groups which only have Mums on them, men's biological inability to breastfeed, or the fact that most organisations don't offer proper Paternity Leave - they're often set up for failure.

So, unfortunately, many men are suffering badly as they try to meet conflicting sets of expectations - the traditional and the more evolved.

They also typically do not have support or even the same level of relational and emotional confidence that women are gifted through their very different socialisation.

If you are a man and you are suffering, please, please, remember that asking for help is a show of strength not weakness.

Caroline Roodhouse is an amazing LinkedIn Voice on the topic as she tragically lost her husband Steve to death by suicide. Please give her a follow, read her incredible book, "Daddy Blackbird", and watch her daughter's powerful video, "Words Matter."

Please remember that suicide is a permanent solution to what is usually only a temporary problem, even if it feels all consuming at the time.

Below is also a shameless copy of the links that Caroline shares as I know they are extremely well-informed:

💚 If you need a safe space to talk, you can speak with Samaritans on 116 123

💗 Find guidance and emotional support through the SANE Textcare and SANEline services

💜 Visit PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide to find out about the brilliant work they’re doing

💚 Contact Suicide&Co for help and support if you’ve been bereaved by suicide

💜 Take a look at the peer-to-peer support available through Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide

💙 Check out the information, advice and support available from Rethink Mental Illness

🧡And support a bereaved child with the help of Winston's Wish