LETTER: According to the 2016 World Health Organisation 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 those aged 15 to 29 globally. As attempted suicide is illegal in some countries, these figures could be underreported.
Generally, women make up a higher proportion of mental illness cases compared with men.
However, the National Suicide Registry Malaysia has revealed that men have three times higher risk of dying by suicide compared with women.
Risk factors include mental illness, physical disability, a history of substance abuse, past suicide attempts and ongoing stressful life events, such as serious financial issues and unemployment.
The Covid-19 pandemic has led to an economic slump that has worsened unemployment rates and job insecurity. Based on workforce statistics from the Statistics Department, the majority of the workforce are men, approximately 80 per cent.
Sudden loss of income can cause financial stress for many men as they are often the main breadwinner of their family. On the other hand, men who still have a job may experience tremendous strain as they may have to work with tighter resources now. Both job strain and job insecurity contribute to mental health issues.
An important risk factor for suicide is the presence of a mental disorder. It is equally important to recognise symptoms of an impending mental health crisis in any individual as this can save a life.
Presenting features, however, can differ between men and women. Men often present themselves late for assessment and treatment. Symptoms can also be masked by other comorbidities, such as alcohol or drug use.
The perceived expectation to be "macho" can be a factor preventing many men from seeking and receiving help. Men tend to wait too long, complicating early detection, treatment and prognosis. Moreover, their methods to cope with their issues may not be the healthiest, such as using substances.
Methods that can address this include 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 services.
Men who need help can be assessed by their general practitioner or they can go directly to a mental health provider of their choice, be it a counsellor, a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist. Treatment will be tailored to their problems and might include 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 men to come forward and seek the help they need and deserve.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR AMER SIDDIQ AMER NORDIN
Director, UMCares (The Community and Sustainability Centre), Universiti Malaya
DR WONG MIN FUI @ ESTHER WONG
Postdoctoral candidate, Centre for Population Health, Department of Social and
Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, and Training Management Division, Health Ministry
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR HAZREEN ABDUL MAJID
Head, Centre for Population Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times