Suicide affects three times more men than women in Quebec, with a slightly higher suicide rate among men aged 50 to 64.
In this context, Montreal Public Health, Suicide Action Montreal and the Men’s Health and Well-Being Committee want to raise public awareness of men’s psychological distress.
The organizations plan to reach out to the population starting Saturday on the occasion of the 20e World Suicide Prevention Day.
Studies show that men seek help less often than women for mental health problems.
About 43% of men with suicidal thoughts would consult a professional, while women are 60% to do so.
As an indication, men are proportionally less likely than women to receive general psychosocial services in CLSCs.
Many men find it difficult to seek help, especially those with low incomes, little education and no spouse.
However, there are no less than 36 community resources dedicated to men’s mental health and well-being in Montreal.
IF YOU NEED HELP
Quebec suicide prevention line
• www.aqps.info
• 1-866-CALL (277-3553)
Kids Help Phone
• www.jeunessejecoute.ca
• 1-800-668-6868
Tel-Jeunes
• www.teljeunes.com
• 1-800-263-2266 (edited)