SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Suicide is the leading killer of men under 45 in Kent.

In 2014, there were 163 suicides in the county of which nearly 80% were men.

These numbers are startling, but perhaps more worrying is the fact that the numbers have been growing in recent years. So why do so many men feel they cannot continue?

Pressures of everyday life, many of which have become more serious in recent years, such as not being able to find a job, problems at work, financial worries and relationship issues can all be reasons for men to feel stressed and maybe contemplate taking their own life.

Unfortunately the challenge is men, far more than women, often don’t want to talk about the struggles in their own lives, even with those closest to them.

For many men there is a perceived expectation that they should be strong and any call for help is a sign of weakness.

This can lead to an increase in pressure, being unable to cope and eventually thinking there is no way out.

As well as the Kent figures showing the numbers are increasing, they also reveal that the majority of those who took their own lives were not known to secondary mental health services.

Kent County Council’s Director of Public Health, Andrew Scott-Clark, said: “Sometimes life can be really tough.

"A bereavement or relationship ending, or increasing debt can all cause unbearable pressure in people.

"We know that the majority of people who take their own lives aren’t known to mental health services so we are encouraging anyone who’s feeling the pressure to talk to someone.”

Do you know somebody who is in need of help now or somebody who is starting to show the signs of pressure building in their life?

They may not want to talk to you, but you can reassure them that they do not have to deal with their issues alone.

By reaching out and talking to someone about their feelings, although daunting at first, can be a big step towards changing their life.

Release the Pressure is a free support service that provides a trusted person to talk to who isn’t a friend or family member.

Anyone using the service will speak to trained, experienced counsellors who will provide confidential, non-judgemental listening support and advice.

Here they can talk honestly and openly about their personal issues to get the help and support they need.

The FREE service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Call 0800 107 0160 or go to www.releasethepressure.uk