Mind Cymru is urging men across Wales who may be struggling with their mental health to reach out and get the support they need, as figures show male suicide rates continue to rise in Wales.
In response, and during Men’s Health Month this November, the mental health charity is reminding all men experiencing mental health problems that help is out there.
A decade ago, in 2014, the numbers of suicides among men in Wales stood at some of their lowest for almost 30 years – but by 2023 they had reached their second highest on record, according to the Office of National Statistics.
The number of men registered as dying by suicide has also been increasing in recent years, with a 16% rise between 2022 and 2023 alone.
Dwein Davies, from Llanelli, reached a point where he felt suicidal after his marriage broke down and he lost contact with his four children.
Dwein, who also lost his mechanics business at around the same time, said: “I ended up living in a shed in the forest. I was suffering from anxiety and depression, and I took out a life insurance policy that specified no payout for claims within 12 months. I fully intended to take own life when that period came to an end, as I just wanted financial security for my children.
“But after improving my own mental health, by learning and better understanding how I came to be here, I am seeing two counsellors and taking part in local Mind activities. And, I am also back in the family home with full custody of my four children too.”
In 2023, suicide was most prevalent in men aged 30-34, and deaths by suicide reached their highest number within this age group for almost 30 years. Men are also three times as likely to die by suicide than women, according to the Samaritans.
Sue O Leary, Executive Director at Mind Cymru, said: “It’s Men’s Health Month, and Mind Cymru is urging men who may be struggling with their mental health to reach out and get help. As Dwein’s story shows, it is a sad fact that too many mental health problems remain hidden, and we know this is especially true in men.
“It isn’t always easy for men to talk about their feelings with others, and this is something for all of us to take on board not just during Men’s Health Month, but all year round.”
After taking part in wellbeing support programmes offered by Llanelli Mind, Dwein has since become a volunteer for the charity, and is also a member of its Frozen Nutz cold-water swimming group which, he says, ‘saved his life’. He also has plans to start his own community support group and to launch his own podcast specifically with men’s mental health in mind too.
Local Minds elsewhere in Wales also run programmes supporting men specifically, with dedicated men’s groups in Haverfordwest and in Neath Port Talbot.
Sue said: “The good news is that community groups like Frozen Nutz at Llanelli Mind are providing spaces for men to come together and talk about their mental health, but these latest figures from the ONS also tell us that we still have a long way to go in helping men in Wales to feel truly heard and supported too.”
“We can’t stress enough how important it is to seek help if you think you might be, or someone else you know appears to be, struggling with mental health.”
Mind Cymru provides a safe space for anyone to talk about their mental health with advisors who are trained to listen, and help find specialist support if needed, through its dedicated Support Line on 0300 102 1234 (available 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday).
