By JONATHON HOWARD
A LACK of employment opportunities, financial pressures, the stigma around mental health issues and the isolation are having a significant impact on the instance of male suicide in rural areas.
Recent studies examined the issue of suicide in rural areas by looking at cases of men who were admitted to hospital for a suicide attempt or serious self-harming over a period of months.
The studies unveiled a worrying pattern of unemployment, a lack of social resources and the crushing isolation which can be associated with rural life.
The study was released as part of Men’s Health Week (10-16 June) and will attempt to connect with men struggling with mental distress and the coping methods they use.
Half of the men who had attempted suicide or self-harmed were unemployed and overwhelmingly came from unskilled backgrounds.
Most men were single or separated, and their lives were blighted by isolation due to a lack of recreational facilities and an absence of public transport.
Many of the problems experienced by the men were particularly acute in rural areas due to the lack of employment opportunities and the stigma attached to mental illness in a traditional male environment. These factors, among others, made it less likely for men to seek help, the study found.
Crucially, it is the which the men define and deal with their difficulties, rather than the difficulties themselves, which leads to suicidal behaviour, the report said.
Rural men tend to be strongly connected with traditional models of masculinity; such as physical and emotional strength, maintaining and providing for a family and heterosexuality.
They tended to conceal their distress, or try to deal with it by self-medicating with alcohol. The kind of maleness they practised, therefore, was frequently detrimental to their health, the report found.
This also made it less likely for the men to disclose their problems or seek help. This was a common feature among men who attempted suicide.
BeyondBlue has launched Man Therapy an online resource funded by the Federal Government and designed assess wellbeing and answer questions.
To find out more visit www.mantherapy.org.au
Residents can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, beyondblue on 1300 22 4636; Kid’s Helpline on 1800 55 1800; Parentline on 1300 30 1300 (in Queensland) or 1300 1300 52 (in New South Wales).
