Quarter of men won’t talk to mates about suicide for fear of triggering it

Men are being urged to talk about their problems and open up to friends - in a bid to cut down on the number of suicides.

In the UK and Ireland more than 6,000 people a year take their own lives every year - which is 18 every day.

Suicide is the biggest killer in men under 50, one of the leading causes of death in new mothers and is responsible for the deaths of 1,600 children and young people every year.

A new short video called Suicide Notes Talk Too Late - made by the Movember Foundation - shows men who considered taking their own lives reading the notes they had written. It is available on You Tube.

In a YouGov survey commissioned by the charity, 24 percent of respondents claimed they wouldn’t ask a distressed friend or family member if they were thinking about suicide for fear of putting the idea into a person’s head.

But Chief executive of Papyrus Ged Flynn argues talking about suicide can and will save lives.

He said: “Talking about suicide, does not make it more likely to happen. It can, and often does, reduce the risk of suicide.

"Talking about suicide can seem scary but silence and stigma are killing young people.”

Stephen Buckley, from health charity Mind said: “People often struggle in silence because they find it difficult to ask for help.

“If you are feeling suicidal, talking to family and friends can make a real difference.

"Just telling someone about suicidal feelings can be a relief, and might be a good first step towards getting help.

"Friends and family can be there for you emotionally, but also help you think about what you need to keep yourself safe and get support.”