Charities urge men to seek help for mental health issues as three tragic suicide cases heard at Sunderland's Coroner’s Court in one afternoon

In just one afternoon, three rulings of suicide were heard at Sunderland Coroner’s Court, all of which had happened in the last four months.

By Ryan Smith

Published 16th Dec 2020, 17:02 BST

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Three suicide conclusions were heard this week, were each person was ruled to have taken their own lives within a four-week period. Another inquest was ruled as an open verdict due to a number of possibilities surrounding the death by Assistant Coroner David Place.

A local mental health campaigner has highlighted that for many people, missing the social aspect of their lives over the course of the year has caused problems.

Michael Chapplow from Andys Man Club Sunderland said: “It’s been a strange year, obviously you couldn’t go out so I think lockdown has had a massive impact.

Three rulings of suicide were heard at Sunderland Coroner's Court on Tuesday afternoon (December 15).

Three rulings of suicide were heard at Sunderland Coroner's Court on Tuesday afternoon (December 15).

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"Obviously everyone has been impacted socially this year, pubs have been closed and support groups such as ours had to move online.

"For some, they didn’t feel safe or comfortable talking about their problems from home or had no privacy to talk and discuss issues.

Michael also offered some advice for those who are currently struggling with their mental health.

He added: “Technology at the moment is key. It’s not easy to talk but picking up the phone, texting someone or having a video chat is an option.

"Just being able to hear a loved ones voice can make all the difference.”

Shirley Smith from If U Care Share said that men maybe less likely to come forward for help regarding mental health issues than women.

She said: “One death to suicide is one too many, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity. Within the prevention work we often have the misconception that men specifically don’t talk.

“Men may seek help for a broken arm or leg but when the pain is internal, it may be masked and hidden and some may not talk due to the stigma.

“Whilst we have come along way, this stigma may still be a reason why men may not seek support or women may be open to talking – men may not see this as helpful.”

If you are struggling with your mental talk and need someone to talk to, you can find a list of services available in Sunderland by clicking here.

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Sunderland Shirley Smith Andys Man Club