Foysol Choudhury MSP: Facing the Invisible Battle 

Addressing Men’s Mental Health and Rising Suicide Rates

As we come into the peak of spring, we as a community must come together to battle suicide and the disparate impact of mental health challenges on men that lingers beneath  the surface of our society (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP). 

Mental health remains one of the biggest challenges facing public health in Edinburgh.  Despite breaking away from the jaws of the isolating pandemic, suicide is becoming a sadly  ever-present part of our lives. With over 792 probable suicides registered by the National  Records of Scotland in 2023, an increase of 4% from previous years, the people of Edinburgh  are ready for change. 

Recent observations by NHS Lothian and local community groups in Edinburgh, such as the  Health and Social Care Partnership, point to an alarming trend; men are disproportionately  affected by the ongoing mental health crisis that is contributing to rising suicide rates. 

Although mental health disorders are less prevalent in men compared to women, the impact  on men is typically more severe. Men with mental health conditions are less likely to seek  help, leading to greater risks. They face a significantly higher rate of suicide, with men being  three times more likely to die by suicide than women. 

Societal norms and traditional gender roles contribute to why men are often less inclined to  talk about or seek help for their mental health issues. While it is widely recognised that  gender stereotypes about women can have harmful effects, it is equally crucial to  acknowledge that these stereotypes and societal pressures can also negatively impact men. 

Alongside national and local organisations such as Andy’s Man Club and Lothians Speak Their Name, Lothian is working to focus efforts on addressing the challenges surrounding  suicide and men’s mental health.

For instance, the local community group Lothians Speak Their Name is creating a mixed-media quilt in memory of people that have died by suicide.  Here, we see Lothians residents raising awareness behind the struggles of mental health and  remembering those that have sadly lost their lives to suicide. 

We also see other groups like Andy’s Man Club, whose mission it is to prevent other families  from going through the heartache and grief caused by suicide by encouraging men to speak  openly about their issues through Monday night talking groups. And with the Great Scottish  Run taking place this October, there is plenty of time to support this great initiative. 

Other organisations in Edinburgh, such as iThrive, Change Mental Health, and Samaritans  Scotland are also striving towards facilitating change in the Lothian region concerning men’s  mental health. Furthered by the non-stop work of health care providers in NHS Lothian, we  are determined to bring men together to share their stories. 

While these initiatives are essential in order to tackle the challenges posed by suicide and  mental health challenges, it is crucial that we follow in the footsteps of those seeking  change. We must keep raising awareness of suicide in our region, emphasising more  kindness and open conversation.

In Scotland, men should not feel anxious when it comes to discussing mental health issues,  yet many still do. This shows we have not fully addressed the problem. This situation mirrors  the past, when men were reluctant to talk about prostate health until it was too late, but  attitudes have changed. We have been part of that shift and are proud of it. Now, we need  to drive similar change for mental health. 

We must ask, why do men struggle to open up? The answer lies in the burden of traditional  masculinity, just as it did with prostate health. Our goal is a Scotland where men feel  comfortable seeking help for any health concern. 

We must remember that suicide and mental health can impact anyone, at any time  throughout the year. As a community and for our loved ones, let’s begin to transform the  agenda that mental health is not unmanly; it is a prevalent virus that can affect us all. 

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health issues at any time, remember that  support is available – you do not have to face it alone. 

Call a Samaritan at 116 123 any time for support.

FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP