September 20, 2012

why 3,000 middle-aged men die by suicide each year

In 2010 Samaritans identified that men in their 30s, 40s, and 50s – particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds – are at higher risk of dying by suicide.  Figures released on 10 September 2012 appeared to confirm these findings.  But so far the reasons for these men being so vulnerable have been unknown.  

Samaritans has commissioned research to attempt to answer this question in a new report entitled Men and suicide: Why it’s a social issue.  The research examines why social factors including economics, masculinity, relationships and mid-life stress put this group at increased risk of suicide.  Leading social scientists came to the SMC to describe their findings and recommendations.

Speakers:

Prof Stephen Platt, Professor of Health Policy Research, University of Edinburgh

Joe Ferns, Executive Director of Policy, Research and Development at Samaritans

Prof Rory O’Connor, Professor of Psychology, University of Stirling

Prof Jonathan Scourfield, Professor of Social Work, Cardiff University

Dr Amy Chandler, Centre for Research on Families and Relationships, University of Edinburgh

Brendan Kennelly, Department of Economics, National University of Ireland, Galway