Owen is right on this of course (minor couple of quibbles aside) but important to understand this is only half the story. Men opening up about distress & seeking help is important, but only helpful when we (as individuals, society & institutions) are prepared to listen & hear.
"Men must speak out & be prepared to seek help" is an atomised, individualist remedy which is actually quite convenient to the (dare I say it? Neoliberal) establishment, as it places onus on the man suffering & ignores, eg, chronic shortages of therapy on NHS @OwenJones
@owenjones The obsession with persuading men to open up about their feelings as a solution to the suicide crisis also ignores the massive role played by economic & social factors in suicide rates. Tens of thousands of men died (globally) as a direct consequence of the 2008 financial crash.
@owenjones It also ignores complex webs of social support needed to reduce/prevent suicide - alcohol & drug treatment. Homelessness. Criminalisation of social marginalisation. Patterns of child abuse and failings in child protection. Family breakdown & alienation. All massively significant.
@owenjones So yes. I'm not arguing with Owen, what he says is correct. But it is also only one part of the story - and the fact that it is the *only* part of the story which is routinely discussed is deeply problematic.
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