Conference Agenda

Introduction. Middle-aged men show a relatively high risk of suicide, yet often remain underdetected in healthcare settings. Understanding how socio-demographic and psychological factors relate to suicidality in this group, and whether these individuals seek help in primary care, is essential for effective prevention strategies. This study examined (1) characteristics associated with suicidality among middle-aged men, and (2) help-seeking behavior in primary care and medication use among those with suicidal thoughts. Methods. Data were drawn from two sources: (1) the Dutch Public Health Monitor in 2022 (N = 364,557) and (2) primary care records from the Nivel Primary Care Database (N = 2,649,100). Linking these datasets led to a sample of N = 33,116 (47.3% men) aged 40-70 years. Suicidal thoughts were assessed through self-report. Logistic regression models were used to examine associations between background variables and suicidal thoughts. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to relate these variables to GP consultations, contacts with the GP mental health professional, specialized mental health care, and prescribed medication. Results. In the DPHM, 8% of middle-aged men reported having suicidal thoughts. Among them, suicidal thoughts were strongly associated with financial strain and living without close social relations. Men reporting suicidal thoughts have more GP consultations and receive more mental health care. When comparing men with suicidality who visit the GP to those who do not, the results show that having paid employment was negatively associated with receiving help (such as having GP consultations and being prescribed certain types of medication). Conclusion. Social and economic vulnerabilities are key correlates of suicidal thoughts in middle-aged men. However, these factors did not consistently predict help-seeking in primary care, suggesting that they do not easily translate into service use. Prevention strategies should address socioeconomic stressors and support GPs in recognizing the diverse presentations of distress.

Background: among young men, suicide is one of the leading causes of death, with ‘out of the blue’ (OOTB) suicides occurring more frequently in this group. We know very little about people who died by suicide out of the blue, defined in this study as suicide death without prior mental health care, no known suicide attempts, and no known expressed suicidal intentions or plans to next-of-kin. The current study aimed to (1) explore perceived factors and unmet needs in OOTB suicides, and (2) understand how bereaved individuals experienced and made sense of the unexpected loss.

Methods: qualitative study design. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of semi-structured interviews with 12 bereaved next-of-kin of young men who died by out-of-the-blue suicide in the Netherlands between 2021 and 2024.

Results: several key themes emerged across the interviews, including a high emotional sensitivity, internalized perfectionism, covert perceptions of burdensomeness, and a reluctance to express emotional distress. Subtle or ambiguous signs of depression were often present and frequently recognized in hindsight. Bereaved individuals expressed a difficulty in reconciling with the suicide due to its unexpectedness at the time, characterising the loss as incomprehensible, abrupt, or impulsive.

Discussion and conclusion: the findings of this study offer a previously unexplored empirical perspective on factors contributing to OOTB suicides and the experiences of people bereaved by this type of suicide. A limitation is that there may have been ‘hidden informants’ who knew about the suicidality and that, due to the nature of the phenomenon, it is a topic that is difficult to study through proxy informants. Based on our findings, prevention strategies on a primary level are required to prevent OOTB suicides and should focus on gatekeeping, psychoeducation, reducing stigma, and overcoming barriers to care.

Introduction:

In Western countries, middle-aged men face the highest suicide risk. The social domain and municipalities, which provide accessible community-based services, are key gatekeepers in recognizing suicidal ideation and behavior. However, the social domain has limited knowledge of suicide prevention (SP) for middle-aged men and encounters obstacles in interdisciplinary work. Social work needs to take an integrated approach to suicide prevention based on four dimensions: client- and household-centered practice, methodological practice, interprofessional collaboration, and policy. Research remains limited.
Research question: How can social work shape suicide prevention for middle-aged men based on four dimensions of integrated working?

Development assignment: Develop a toolbox for social work based on literature and data collection.

Methods:

(Inter)national literature research was conducted. Data was collected through action research from two Dutch social work organizations: six focus groups with professionals from various disciplines, four interviews with middle-aged men with suicidal thoughts, and four interviews with next of kin of men who died by suicide. Two small-scale pilots will be implemented in these organizations in early 2026.

Results:

The organizations studied lack formal SP policy, although such policy is considered essential. Middle-aged men report that professionals do not consistently address suicidality and struggle to remain present. Next of kin experience support as fragmented.
Based on these findings, a toolbox was developed, structured around the four dimensions of integrated working. Phase 2 results will be available July 2026.

Conclusions:

The toolbox supports local services by outlining effective counseling approaches for suicidal middle-aged men, offering knowledge, attitudes, practical methods and tools, and providing guidance for policy implementation. Recommendations emphasize raising awareness among local services as key support providers for suicidal middle-aged men. A stable team of professionals is advised.

Introduction. Suicide remains an important public health issue, with men consistently being at increased risk for suicide. Moreover, men tend to display reduced help-seeking, increased treatment drop-out and less lasting engagement. As receiving adequate support is an important protective factor for suicide risk, it is crucial that healthcare services meet the needs of men. Despite calls for more gender-responsive care, practical training for healthcare providers remains scarce. To address this gap, an e-learning module was developed to support healthcare providers (HCPs) in offering gender-responsive suicide prevention to men.

Methods. A single-group pre-post design was used. HCPs completed questionnaires before and immediately after completing the 30–60 minute e-learning module. The surveys assessed self-efficacy and gender-responsive competencies in supporting men experiencing suicidal ideation. In addition, participants evaluated the e-learning using Likert-scale items and open-ended questions.

Results. A total of 109 HCPs participated, of whom 75 completed the posttest. Results showed statistically significant improvements in both self-efficacy and gender-responsive competencies with large Cohen’s d effect sizes of 0.83 and 2.93. Participants evaluated the module positively (M = 8.0/10), with good evaluations of several aspects regarding its content and format. The psychoeducational model on gender socialization and suicidality, as well as the downloadable summary sheets, were also well received.

Conclusion. The e-learning module significantly improved HCPs’ confidence and gender-responsive competencies in working with men experiencing suicidal ideation. By addressing the lack of practical, gender-responsive training on male suicidality, this module offers a timely and scalable intervention. Given its self-paced, freely accessible and online format, the training appears feasible and acceptable. Further research is needed to examine its long-term impact, behavioral outcomes in clinical practice, and applicability to more diverse male populations.

Introduction

In the Netherlands, suicide is the leading cause of death among young men, with rates rising steadily since 2013 and accelerating in recent years. Although professional care for young men is crucial to suicide prevention, little is known about what supports them. This study investigates next of kin or partner’s experiences with professional care provided to young men who died by suicide.

Methods

Informants (n=24) consisted of 12 bereaved parents, 6 peers and 6 significant others (partner, sibling) who were interviewed (2.5 hours) about young men (aged 18–30) who died by suicide between 2021-2024 and had prior contact with social services. Experiences with professional care during the year preceding death were investigated from the perspective of next of kin and partners, including involvement of significant others in the provided support, the extent to which care aligned with the young man’s needs, and reflections on facilitating and hindering factors and what could have been improved.

Results

Based on next of kin and partner experiences with professional care in the year preceding the young men's deaths, facilitating factors included strong therapeutic relationships characterized by continuity and accessibility. Involvement of significant others in the provided support was perceived as beneficial. Consistent routines and a reliable safety net, both formal and informal, were considered essential.
Hindering factors involved inadequate crisis responses, insufficient coordination between social services, and long waiting times for assessment of euthanasia requests. Limited involvement of relatives in care planning and transitions from supported to independent living facilities were also seen as detrimental to men’s mental health.

Conclusions

Suicide prevention requires continuous, accessible care delivered by a stable team of professionals. Clear guidance for relatives on acting as a safety net and structured aftercare after a suicide attempt are critical to reducing vulnerability. Long waiting lists may contribute to suicidality.