The Silent Serial Killer

Gentlemen, we’re here to talk about a touchy subject, so buckle up. There is very little understanding of mental illness, so such subject matter is often swept under the rug. There’s this disgusting need for “keeping up appearances” that takes precedence over preventative measures that help ensure healing. Healing has got to be of utmost importance. Now there are quite a few sensitive subjects out there, but today’s focus is on a particular “Silent Killer,” suicide.

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It’s a struggle to fight in the trenches day after day. An average of fifty men per week dying by suicide is far too many soldiers losing a battle that we should be able to handle a lot better. If you’re reading this and thinking, “this has nothing to do with me,” the law of averages says someone close to you is going through it right now. Be that rock for a brother in need. Make a promise with the boys to speak up. Encourage yourself to speak up when you feel lost before it’s too late.

Man Down, Man Down!

Numbers, although complex and tedious, often do not lie. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), every 40 seconds, someone loses their life to suicide. Suicide rates among males account for more than 75 percent of suicides in Canada, and that number is rising.

The suicide rate for males was three times higher than the rate for females.
In Canada, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among youth and young adults aged 15 to 34.
Although suicide deaths affect almost all age groups, those aged 40 to 59 had the highest rates.

As you continue to read, acknowledge that we’re all brothers. We are part of the same battalion, fighting! Every time one of us commits suicide, recognize that now we’re down another soldier. This is a battle we cannot afford to lose. This battle still exists even if we are not directly affected by it because as painful as it is to say, sooner than later, chances are it will. It’s challenging because, as with most issues, it usually doesn’t hit home until it happens to you or someone you know.

Suicide On Your Mind?

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or having a mental health crisis, there is help out there:

The Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566 (phone) | 45645 (Text, 4 p.m. to midnight ET only) | crisisservicescanada.ca
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868. You can also text CONNECT to 686868 and get immediate support from a crisis responder through the Crisis Text Line, powered by Kids Help Phone. Live Chat counselling at www.kidshelpphone.ca
In Quebec (French): Association Québécoise de prévention du suicide: 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553)
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre

To no surprise, unfortunately, evidence suggests that men under-utilize mental health services, with statistics indicating that women are almost three times more likely to seek help through such services. What are your reasons why?

Gent’s Talk

Here at Gent’s Post, we will continue to shine the brightest of lights on a topic that continues to stay left in the dark. Society still has us believing that we always have to be the strongest person in the room, and anything less than complete dominance will be met with laughter from the masses. There’s nothing funny about a lost life. There is always someone out there to talk about what’s going on in our massive brains. There is so much confusion that sometimes, what’s needed is a neutral voice of reasoning. Please remember that you are not alone, even though it may feel like it.

Feature image photo by Sasha Freemind