Men are five times more likely to commit suicide than women, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) said yesterday, World Suicide Day.
Men are five times more likely to commit suicide than women, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) said yesterday, World Suicide Day.
"There is a lot of pressure on South African men. They are expected to fulfil many roles: protector, provider, 'one of the boys' - yet are still not given a safe outlet for the stress and emotional pain," said Sadag senior counsellor and trainer Janine Shamos.
Sadag psychiatrist Dr Frans Korb said men rarely sought help for conditions such as depression, and so increased the likelihood of their attempting suicide.
"The topic of suicide is still largely taboo and is not a topic men are likely to casually chat about over a beer," said Korb.
Men are also more likely to choose "lethal" methods of committing suicide.
According to SADAG most deaths by hanging were carried out by males between 20 and 30-years-old and 66percent of suicide by poisoning was by men.
"When men choose to take their lives, they do so in ways that leave very little or no room for rescue." - Sapa-AP
Men the suicidal sex
Men are five times more likely to commit suicide than women, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) said yesterday, World Suicide Day.
Men are five times more likely to commit suicide than women, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) said yesterday, World Suicide Day.
"There is a lot of pressure on South African men. They are expected to fulfil many roles: protector, provider, 'one of the boys' - yet are still not given a safe outlet for the stress and emotional pain," said Sadag senior counsellor and trainer Janine Shamos.
Sadag psychiatrist Dr Frans Korb said men rarely sought help for conditions such as depression, and so increased the likelihood of their attempting suicide.
"The topic of suicide is still largely taboo and is not a topic men are likely to casually chat about over a beer," said Korb.
Men are also more likely to choose "lethal" methods of committing suicide.
According to SADAG most deaths by hanging were carried out by males between 20 and 30-years-old and 66percent of suicide by poisoning was by men.
"When men choose to take their lives, they do so in ways that leave very little or no room for rescue." - Sapa-AP
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