This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
As we mark National Suicide Prevention Week, it's essential to understand the alarming trend of male suicide. According to Dr. Steve Amaya, mental healthcare expert, the increasing rates of industrialization and technological advancements have contributed to the rise in male suicide rates.
Dr. Amaya points out that stories of suicide among our grandparents' ages and in African ancestral life were extremely rare. However, the World Health Organisation reports a 58% increase in suicide rates since 1999, with men being three times more likely to succeed at suicide than women.
Dr. Amaya's statistics from 2018 show that of the 420 reported cases of suicide in Kenya, 330 were men. This means that by the end of this Saturday, some man, somewhere in Kenya, will have decided to take his own life.
The reasons behind this trend are complex, but Dr. Amaya suggests that men's inability to cope with high levels of stress is a significant factor. He notes that women's suicide attempts using 'softer' methods like overdosing on sleeping pills can 'backfire,' whereas men are more likely to use more lethal methods, such as hanging or shooting themselves.
Dr. Amaya emphasizes that substance abuse, particularly among younger men, can exacerbate the problem. He warns that men must learn to cushion their stress, just as women do, and that substance abuse can fix the idea of suicide in the mind of a substance abuser.
As we strive to prevent male suicide, it's essential to recognize the cultural, spiritual, economic, and personal goals that define the worth of a man. By understanding these factors and providing support, we can help men cope with stress and prevent tragic outcomes.
