Suicide

Life – Terror. Ecstasy. Fight. Denial. Flight. Failure. PAIN. Forgiveness. Reconciliation. Hope. Love. Peace – Death.

In the UK A man dan dies every 45 minutes from Prostate Cancer.

According to Cancer Research UK, there are over 164,000 cancer deaths in the UK each year, which is about 450 each day. 1 in 2 people (in the UK) born after 1960 have been diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime. There are more than 200 different types of cancer. Bowel cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, and breast cancer account for almost two-thirds of all preventable cancer cases in the UK.

Today, in the UK, life expectancy is 82.3 years for men and 85.8 years for women however the age that people can expect to live healthily is 63.1 years for men and 63.7 years for women. While healthcare spending has steadily increased, 26% of adults and 20% of children are still classified as obese, and 58% of brits have drank alcohol in the past week.

Suicide is a significant national social issue in the United Kingdom.

In the UK, men are three times more likely to take their own lives than women. On average, 12 men in the British isles take their own lives every day.

Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under 45, the highest suicide rate is for men aged 45-49. In 2019 there were 5,691 registered deaths by suicide in England and Wales, equating to an average of 18 suicides per day in the country. Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the country.

There are many factors that make men more vulnerable to suicide. Men are often under pressure to appear strong and not show signs of weakness.

This means they are less likely to talk about any issues they are facing or seek help when they are struggling with their mental health. Sometimes pride comes into the equation and men may think they can handle their issues on their own or worry about being a burden to others. Men are also more likely to respond to stress with risky behaviour such as abusing alcohol which increases the risk of suicide by up to eight times.

A relationship breakdown has a bigger impact on a man’s suicide risk, than a woman’s – divorced men are three times more likely to commit suicide than their married peers, whereas divorced women show no increased risk.

Warning signs to look out for in your friends, family or co-workers include:

• Talking about wanting to die
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Experiencing extreme mood swings
• Drug or alcohol misuse
• Feelings of anger, hopelessness or disconnection
• Giving away possessions
• Giving up previously loved activities
• Writing goodbye letters.

UK Health

While the population may be healthier at every age group than it ever has been before, long term health conditions are more and more common. We may not be able to control every aspect of our health, but we can always strive to educate ourselves more about our own bodies and specific health needs.

Today, the biggest health concern in the UK is dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. By 2020, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is likely to be the most common cause of death for both men and women.

Live Healthy?

Health should always be the primary concern for any person. Easier said than done, so many if’s and but’s ….socioeconomic status, geography, genetics? However, it is hard to deny that staying healthy, especially during our COVID-19 pandemic, helps us be better in all aspects of our lives. Unhealthy habits can severely affect our work, social circles, and even our emotions.

Remaining healthy does not simply mean working on our physical body by exercising and eating well. It also means caring for our emotions, mental energy, building meaningful relationships, and understanding ourselves through meditation and mindfulness.

Moderation – is one strategy, my preferred option (at my age and current health status). Is it ok to be naughty now and again? Many (most?) would agree, a good diet and a regular exercise regimen go hand in hand and certainly would not do any of us any harm and that unhealthy habits are especially destructive?

The two leading causes of death and organ damage in our society today come from smoking and alcohol consumption.

One of the best ways to stay healthy is to know what parts of your body require work. Getting checked multiple times a year is an important step and can give you a better idea of the condition of your body, mind, and emotions.

It is vitally important to ‘Talk to People You Trust’

A healthy lifestyle – a good first step towards having a happier life that could lead to increased productivity and efficiency at work, improve our relationships and keep our minds and emotions sharp and in check.

Laugh as often as you can – despite the mess we are living thru, at least try to laugh? Find things, people, activities that make you happy, that make you laugh and fuck off things, people, activities that do not. Life is short people.

If you’re struggling with your mental health then you can reach out on 08081 311 333. If you’re worried about suicide you can call the Samaritans free, at any time on 116 123 and if a life is in immediate danger call 999.

Thanks for Reading

Peace