Father’s Day, feelings and mental health

[Trigger warning: this post references suicide]

This week is Men’s Health Week, and on Sunday many of us might be seeing or thinking about our dads on Father’s Day. When it comes to mental health, we know that men often tend to suffer in silence while keeping their feelings for themselves. They are also less likely to seek help.

Stigmas play a big role in this. We live in a time of less stigma associated with mental health care, but for previous generations, talking about mental health issues, or even being too open about your feelings, was seen as a sign of weakness.

The search also appears The pressure to adhere to traditionally masculine gender roles and traits such as stoicism, impunity, and self-reliance also deters men from seeking help when they need it.

unfortunate fact

a A study published in 2014 It revealed that globally, men are 1.8 times more likely than women to commit suicide. In western countries where the male to female ratio is higher, this rate rises to 3.8.

There are many factors that contribute to this unfortunate reality, but one thing is certain: Any suicide is a heavy loss, and its effects can be felt by many.

One way to help prevent these tragedies is to reach those in need. Another is research, so suicide is better understood and ultimately prevented. Here are three MQ-funded projects that work to prevent people from committing suicide:

• HopesThe goal, which stands for Help Overcome and Predict the Emergence of Suicide, aims to develop a model to predict who is at risk of suicide by analyzing brain scans and data on suicidal behavior.
• secure phone It is a UK-tested support program that helps reduce the risk of suicide by identifying warning signs and finding ways to respond to suicidal thoughts.
• Use of data scienceResearchers are working with schools to gain insight into risk factors for suicide, with an emphasis on prevention.

hope for tomorrow

When we think of our fathers and all the men in our lives, we can feel hopeful thanks to the research.

Research has helped advance how we understand and view mental health, reduce some stigmas and give more men the confidence to reach out for help when they need it.

Donating to mental health research can help us continue this progress, and build a better world – with better mental health – for all.