Suicide: Flanders wants men to talk about their emotions

Under the slogan "Get out of your head" the Flemish Expertise Centre for Suicide Prevention (VLESP) launches a new campaign for suicide prevention. The action wants to tackle psychological problems and suicidal thoughts and encourage men and their environment to "get out of their heads" and seek help in the way that suits them best. 

In 2019, 960 people died by suicide in Flanders, almost 3 in 4 (73 percent) of whom were men. In all age groups, the number of men who die by suicide is higher than that of women. Although suicide can never be explained by a single cause or factor, but always by a complex interplay of factors, men appear to experience less social support, are less socially integrated and more emotionally isolated compared to women. The threshold to psychological help is also often higher for men than for women.

Flemish Minister of Welfare Wouter Beke (CD&V) stresses the importance of the campaign. "We want to further reduce suicide rates by 10 percent by 2030. It is essential that we dare to talk to each other about our problems and seek support. This openness is not easy and certainly not for men. That is why we want to address men very specifically. Dare to talk about your emotions. We must and can be there for each other in difficult times."

On the campaign website (www.komuitjekop.be) men and their families will find information, campaign films and video testimonials. With recognisable and hopeful stories and accessible tips, the campaign wants to strengthen the mental health of men and help men and those around them to better recognise signals and lower the threshold for help.

"The campaign is an important starting point to encourage men to recognise mental health problems in themselves or in men in their environment faster and to tackle them more actively. This crucial step towards recognition, openness and social support can protect men from possible suicidal thoughts or attempts. We also hope to be able to contribute to reducing the stigma around mental health problems in men," says VLESP director Gwendolyn Portzky.

If you have questions about suicide you can contact the Suicide Line on the toll-free number 1813 or via www.zelfmoord1813.be.

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