Rosemary Vaux -
tel: 020 8943 5343 mobile: 07792 72 62 41
email: rvaux@ravenstonepr.co.uk
New Insight into Young Male Suicide
Research Reveals Young Men DO Talk
17 October 2007
- Some popular myths on youth suicide were exploded by Dr Jonathan Scourfield, senior lecturer at Cardiff School of Social Sciences, at the annual conference and AGM of suicide prevention charity, PAPYRUS on Saturday 13 October. Speaking on the subject of ‘young people, gender and suicide’ he said: “My research evidence confirms that professionals and young people see the main issues of young male suicide as men not talking and men not knowing how to adjust to a changing world. However, in a recent study into actual suicides by men under 30 years of age we found that many men did communicate their distress to people around them.”
Whilst acknowledging that it is difficult for many young males to communicate distress, PAPYRUS is concerned that those who do share their feelings may not be receiving adequate support. “Suicide is not just a tragic conclusion to a young person’s life - it has repercussions for all those left behind,” emphasises Anne Parry, chair, PAPYRUS. However, research shows that with appropriate early intervention and support, a suicidal person can often be deterred from taking that ultimate step. Jonathan Scourfield has confirmed that it is vital that anyone worried about a suicidal person also receives appropriate support.
“That is exactly why we formed PAPYRUS 10 years ago and later our helpline. As parents who have lost a child through suicide we know and live with the consequences. Anyone who is worried should never hesitate to call HOPELineUK 08000 68 41 41 or 01978 367 333. Here trained professionals give practical help and advice - what to say and do, where to find additional support and information.”
Dr Scourfield also told the audience that whilst focus group research confirmed that suicidal behaviour is seen by young people in traditionally gendered terms, a study of actual suicides demonstrated that gender boundaries are not so clearly defined. For example: whereas it is generally assumed that the mental health of women can be severely impacted by relationship breakdown, this is an aspect of masculine ‘crisis’ that is often overlooked, he said.
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Editor’s Note:
In the UK around 1,600 young people under the age of 35 take their own lives each year.
Editorial contact for more information:
Rosemary Vaux, PAPYRUS press office
tel 020 8943 5343
mobile 07792 72 62 41
email rvaux@ravenstonepr.co.uk
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