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Four mothers broken by the effects of losing sons to suicide this week tell their stories in a attempt to help end the stigma surrounding mental health issues in men.

As the number of people suffering in silence continues to rise, so does the number of suicides in Canterbury, with rates doubling in the last five years.

Alarmingly, 75% of those taking their lives are men, and this week we bring you the tragic story of yet another young man who felt suicide was his only option (see page 8).

In attempt to examine the causes and raise awareness of the help available, the Kentish Gazette is this week launching its own campaign - End the Stigma.

Over the coming months we’ll be speaking to various agencies on the frontline of mental health provision in the district, as well as charities doing valuable work to help stem the tide of often-avoidable tragedies.

We’ll also be examining the overstretched and under-funded mental health services in Kent, with news this week of yet more expected cuts to vital bed numbers (see page 9).

Suicide is the biggest killer of men aged under 45 in the county, and in Canterbury the number of people taking their own lives has risen from 10 in 2012 to 20 in 2017.

KCC’S director of Public Health, Andrew Scott-clark, said: “We know that as boys, and into adulthood, men are taught to bottle up their emotions. They are told ‘big-boys don’t cry’, to ‘man-up’ and ‘be strong’, so when life starts to go wrong they tend to try and cope on their own, without looking for help.

“This may work for a while but sadly for some men it can end with terrible consequences.

“There is hope though, because we do know that if men can be encouraged and supported to talk and open up, then things can start to get better. It’s not an overnight solution, but it is the start of a recovery journey.”

For every tale of tragedy there is another of a man who, in speaking about his troubles and seeking help, managed to turn his life around.

Only by ending the stigma surrounding mental health issues, particularly in men, can we begin to see more stories with happy endings.

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