What’s the Story Behind Middle-Age Men and Suicide? with Franklin Cook, Episode 55, April 11, 2017
This week on Real Men Feel, Andy Grant is joined by MassMen.org Outreach Director and Grief Coach, Franklin Cook, to discuss the implications of an expert report, “Preventing Suicide among Men in the Middle Years.”
Men in the middle years are defined as ages 35 – 64 and that group makes up 40% of the suicides in the United States. Andy and Franklin discuss some of the risk factors as well as some prevention techniques. Andy shares his personal experiences with suicidal thoughts and attempts.
“Feeling connected to one another is the most protective thing there is.” ~Franklin Cook
One challenge facing men is our very notion of masculinity. The traditional ideas of being independent, strong, and concealing our emotions can lead to men not seeking help for fear of seeming weak. Too many men are dying due to their belief of what being a man means. If your view of masculinity isn’t serving you, drop it and define a new one. It really is up to each of us.
“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is ask for help.” ~Andy Grant
Andy’s wife, Lori, even joins us towards the end to share her take.
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See the SPRC’s full report – Preventing Suicide Among Men in the Middle Years.
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