Resources
5,185 men died by suicide in the UK in 2018. That’s 13.5 men a day or 94 men a week.*
*Source Samaritans
(Whilst there was a large (and well publicised) 10.9% increase in recorded suicides in the 2018 figures it is important to note that the threshold for a coroner to record a verdict of suicide was lowered from a criminal standard to a civilian one)
Conservative estimates in the UK place suicide by sector* per month as follows (where we could find information):
40 construction workers.
9 doctors.
5 military personnel (includes veterans)
4 farmers.
3 nurses.
3 ambulance staff.
2 police.
(numbers for firefighters could not be found)
(*suicide is widely under recorded by many organisations and these numbers are not sex/gender specific)
Though it may surprise many to know, it’s not young men most at risk of suicide (though we have seen an increase in 18-24 year olds) but men aged 42-49 years old. That mid-life crisis we joke about? That kills.
Want to know more?
Here are a few studies, articles and pieces to get yourself more informed which we will continue to add to…
Whilst it is now 8 years old & focuses on socio-economically disadvantaged men, it’s a simple but intelligent report that explains some of the key issues our men face in society and considers why suicide rates in middle-aged men are so high.
You can read the full report here.
Harry’s Masculinity report, a collaboration with Harry’s (male grooming products) & Dr John Barry, asked British & American men a wide range of questions surrounding how they viewed themselves and each other & the results make for some fascinating reading which you can start here.
The Palgrave Handbook of Male Psychology and Mental Health is an absolute must read for academics and professionals working with men as it covers everything from abuse to suicide.
It’s expensive but Palgrave often has flash sales!
Why the stiff upper lip is killing British men.
A viral article written for Vice which sparked the author, Jack Urwin to write a book on the topic.
The Home Office Frontline Review of policing is an incredible piece of research discussing the realities of wellbeing in the modern organisation. You can read the full report here.