2023-05-12 14:59:00
Men are less likely to ask for help with mental problems than women, says MIND. According to the organization, which stands up for clients and their loved ones in mental health care, this could be an explanation for the fact that the number of suicides among men was also considerably higher last year than among women.
Based on the latest figures, Statistics Netherlands reports that in 2022 twice as many men (1315) as women (601) took their own lives, mainly in the age category from 50 years.
“Unfortunately, it is still the case that (older) men do not talk very easily about psychological problems and therefore think they have to ‘solve’ it themselves,” says a spokeswoman for MIND. Because, according to the organization, it is important to sound the alarm in time, it supports initiatives that “encourage men to really talk”. “Because by sharing your problems with others, you can better find the way to help.”
Social media use
Suicide is, as in previous years, the main cause of death among young people up to the age of 30. MIND cannot give an unequivocal explanation for this, but suspects that the cause lies in a combination of factors, such as education, social relationships and work and income. “Think, for example, of the crises that are currently playing out in society, but also performance pressure, bullying, loneliness and the negative impact that social media use can have on mental health.”
The problems in (youth) care, such as the long waiting times as a result of which people do not receive the right care in the right place on time, also have an effect on the suicide rates, according to MIND.
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By: Editorial
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