Ep 6. Stopping Male Suicide

Stopping Male Suicide is an episode from the 2018 season of BBC's popular science documentary program Horizon. This episode explores the issue of male suicide, which is a significant and growing concern in many countries around the world. According to the World Health Organization, men are more likely to take their own lives than women, and suicide is now the biggest killer of young men in some Western countries.

The program sets out to understand why this is the case and what can be done to prevent it. The presenter meets with experts in the field of mental health to discuss the social, psychological and biological factors that contribute to male suicide. They explore the role that masculinity and societal expectations play in male mental health, and how these expectations can prevent men from seeking help when they need it.

One of the key themes of the episode is the idea that men experience mental health issues differently than women. Men often have different symptoms and may be less likely to seek help, and the program looks at some of the research into how men can be better supported by mental health services.

The episode also investigates some of the interventions that can be used to prevent male suicide. The presenter visits a suicide prevention charity in the UK that offers support to men in crisis, and talks to men who have been through the program.

One of the most striking aspects of the program is the personal stories of men who have been affected by suicide. The presenter meets with families who have lost loved ones to suicide, as well as men who have struggled with their own mental health. These stories bring home the devastating impact of suicide on individuals and communities, and underscore the urgency of finding effective solutions.

Overall, Stopping Male Suicide is a thought-provoking and important episode of Horizon that sheds light on a pressing social and public health issue. By looking at the issue from multiple perspectives and examining potential solutions, the program offers hope that progress can be made in preventing male suicide and supporting men's mental health.