131 out of the 162 suicides - the equivalent of 80% - which were registered in Malta in the last six years were men, information tabled in parliament shows.
Data tabled by Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri in answer to a Parliamentary Question asked by PN MP Claudette Buttigieg shows a breakdown in the number of suicides reported in the last five years – with the cases split by gender, and by year.
The data shows that out of 162 suicides registered between January 2015 and June 2021, 131 of them were men and another 31 were women.
36 people (29 men, 7 women) committed suicide in 2015; 21 (18 men, 3 women) in 2016; 25 (20 men, 5 women) in 2017; 22 (19 men, 3 women) in 2018; 21 (19 men, 2 women) in 2019, 22 (15 men, 7 women) in 2020; and 15 (11 men, 4 women) in 2021 so far.
The data reflects trends all across the world, where men are far more likely to commit suicide than women – even if women tend to have higher rates of depression diagnoses.
Much has been said about the topic, with the discussion many times centring on how society has conditioned men into thinking that it is not appropriate – or ‘manly’ – to show and share emotions as doing so would exhibit ‘weakness.’
If you’re experiencing any emotional or psychological difficulties, you may contact Richmond Foundation helpline on 1770, Crisis Resolution Malta on 9933 9966, the FSWS support line on 179 or speak to a professional online at kellimni.com. All these resources are free and available 24/7.
If you are in a crisis or in danger, call 112 directly.