Your views: Readers' letters

Men and suicide

I was very disappointed to read the Chronicle editorial ("Tough topic we need to talk about"; June 29).

I agree entirely that suicide is a tough topic that needs to be talked about and examined. But I don't see a discussion that puts the blame for male suicide at the feet of feminism as a useful or accurate examination.

And I have been unable to think of another explanation for this excerpt: "One explanation for this disproportion may be the growing empowerment of women and their increasing role in society. Is an unfortunate side effect that men feel less secure, less sure of their place in a world where they were once more dominant?"

In providing such simple and inaccurate explanations, you really missed the opportunity for a nuanced and evidence-based discussion of the issues.

Did you know, for example, that women attempt suicide at approximately the same rates as men, but tend to choose different methods, and thus account for fewer deaths by suicide?

Whatever your position on feminism and female empowerment, surely we can agree that if you're going to start a discussion on an issue, you should at least start a useful and accurate discussion?

I hope you realise how hurtful and damaging the statements are, and can find a way to start a more positive and evidence-based discussion on this very important topic.

JENN O'CONNELL
New Plymouth

Roles and rates

Many people responded with outrage to the speculation in the Chronicle editorial that male suicide is caused by female empowerment, and the Mental Health Foundation echoes the criticism.

You wrote of the disproportionate number of men dying by suicide compared to women, suggesting: "One explanation for this disproportion may be the growing empowerment of women and their increasing role in society."

" ... Is it an unfortunate side effect that men feel less secure, less sure of their place in a world where they were once more dominant?"

To answer your question -- no, male suicides are not "an unfortunate side effect" of recent female empowerment.

Male suicide rates have been significantly higher than female suicide rates since at least the 1920s.

Most countries see a similar pattern.

Suicide prevention research since the 1920s has found changes in male suicide rates are tied more closely to economic pressures than changing social roles.

We know that many men find it difficult to ask for help when they're going through a hard time.

Alongside other agencies in New Zealand we work hard, every day, to encourage men not to let pride or fear prevent them from seeking and accepting the help they need. We all go through difficult times and we all deserve support.

There are thousands of empowered women around New Zealand who have used their agency and education to work to support men from all walks of life to seek help and recover from challenges.

Among your readers will be untold numbers of women who live with the grief of suicide loss every day, who may have read your editorial and felt guilt or shame and perhaps wondered whether if they had just been less empowered and more dependent, their loved one may still be alive.

Many people who have lost someone to suicide are left with questions that are difficult or impossible to answer. They seek desperately to understand why their loved one took their life and what could have prevented it.

I acknowledge your editorial contained some valid and very interesting remarks on how the pressures men face can contribute to suicide. It's a shame these were left unexplored.

SOPHIA GRAHAM
Communications and marketing manager, Mental Health Foundation

Editor's note: The editorial did not blame women's growing empowerment (something this newspaper supports and applauds) for male suicides. It asked whether this huge societal shift between the sexes had contributed to men feeling less secure and unsure of their place which, in turn, might lead to increased anxiety and depression. Interestingly, the reaction from men has been exclusively supportive of the editorial and the reaction from women exclusively condemnatory ... a stark division, which might suggest it is a topic worthy of discussion.

Tokens response

I write in response to Rachel Rose's article "Tokens no way to conduct research" (Chronicle; June 24).

I would like to clarify that our discussions with the Whanganui community earlier this year were always intended to be informal and we explained this to everyone we spoke to.

We wanted to better understand the views in the community before we consult with residents more formally next year on an updated long-term plan.

Both staff and councillors valued the many and varied conversations -- the success of this approach is reflected in Horizons more recently seeking residents' views at the River Traders Market on bus services.

It will be at the long-term plan stage that there will be formal consultation about flood protection for Whanganui.

This will be on a similar, if not larger, scale than our current Whanganui bus survey, and at this stage detailed information about proposed options will be made available to all residents and they will have the opportunity to have their say.

RAMON STRONG
Group manager river management, Horizons Regional Council