The month of June has been designated as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health issues in men. Data from the New York State Department of Health shows that between 2017 and 2019, the majority of suicide deaths in the state were men.
It is crucial to talk about suicide, as researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Canada emphasize. Dr. Allison Crawford, chief medical officer at the 988 Crisis Helpline in Canada, points out that the language used when discussing suicide plays a significant role in reducing stigma. The CAMH has published a mental health language guide that recommends replacing phrases like “commit suicide” with “die by suicide” to remove blame from the individual and using terms like “facing suicide” instead of “suicidal” to avoid defining someone by their experience.
Crawford advises that when having conversations about suicide, it is important to be there for the person rather than trying to be perfect. She encourages family members to reach out to the Crisis Helpline for guidance if needed. Remember that open and compassionate dialogue is key to overcoming stigma and supporting individuals in crisis. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or using the live chat at 988lifeline.org during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month or any other time you need support.
