Westside has become one of the most pressing yet often overlooked public health crises all over the world. Even though it affects individuals of all genders, its impact on men is particularly alarming. In this article, we will take a look at the issue of suicide, with a specific focus on Pakistani men, and highlight the underlying causes, and potential solutions to this hidden crisis.
Suicide Rates Among Men
If we consider the suicide rates, globally, it can be said that men are more likely to die by suicide than women. According to the word, health organization nearly 800,000 people die of suicide every year, and it is the second leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds. in a high-income country, the male suicide rate is almost 3 times higher than that of a female. The disparity can be seen due to multiple factors, including the methods used, suicidal expectations, and the fear among men to seek help for mental health health issues.
If we consider Pakistan, we have to take a look at the various socioeconomic challenges that cause suicide problems, especially among men. Even though suicide is considered a criminal offense under Pakistani law, certain data has suggested that it is a troubling issue. Because it is a criminal offense, a huge amount of underreporting is done, but according to a 2020 report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, There are almost 15,000 to 20,000 suicide attempts annually, with a significant amount of numbers being men. Let us consider the factors that influence the disparity of male suicide in Pakistan:
- Gender Disparity
Studies have shown that men in Pakistan are more likely to die by suicide as compared to women. For example, in 2019 alone, the male suicide rate was estimated to be around 12.4 per 100,000, as compared to 7.5 per 100,000 for women.
- Age Factor
Young men in Pakistan aged 20 to 30 are most vulnerable to economic pressure, unemployment, and suicidal expectations to be the primary breadwinner which causes a high suicide rate in this demographic.
- Urban vs. Rural
So roots in Pakistan are generally higher in the rural areas as compared to the urban centers. This is because there is limited access to mental health services, social isolation, and the stigma associated with seeking help in rural areas.
- Underlying Causes Of Suicide In Men
- Socio-Economic Pressures
- Mental Health Stigma
- Relationship Problems
- Substance Abuse
How To Address The Crisis?
To address the crisis, certain factors have to be considered. First of all, raising awareness about mental health and promoting the importance of seeking health and help make a huge difference. Healthcare providers should be trained to recognize and treat mental health issues, and established to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare settings. Government and non-governmental organizations should work together to provide economic support in job opportunities for young men so that economic pressure can be elevated.Â
Final Words
The issue of suicide among men, especially in Pakistan is a complicated problem that requires a lot of retention and consistent improvement. By understanding, the underlying causes, implementing the targeted intervention, and seeking help from therapy brands like The Calm Planet it can be possible to reduce the suicide rates and provide support for those who are at risk. If this hidden crisis is left unaddressed, it will continue to claim lives and devastate families. Pakistan needs to take proactive steps to address this issue and create a supportive environment for all individuals, regardless of gender.
