Sir, – The Men Overboard articles (Weekend Review, October 5th & Life, October 7th) cast a spotlight on the crisis faced by many men arising from unemployment; and the impact of the attendant evils of worthlessness, an inability to cope and the lack of a role in life are quite shocking. That problems existed has been known for many years and acknowledged in a kind of desultory way whenever such issues as male suicide arose; but the customary exhortations dispensed glibly to men to get regular health checks and to talk out their anxiety and emotional problems with friends or with professional help are no longer sufficient.
Much more focused attention and serious effort is required from the State and the health services. One of the men interviewed put it starkly: “My biggest gripe is that the State doesn’t understand and no one is listening to the male point of view”. There are existing bodies catering for the special needs of women, children and the aged but not for men. It was felt they were fine, the top of the pile, but this is not so. Is it not time to set up a National Council for Men? – Yours, etc,
DAVID WALSH,
Rockfield,
Maynooth, Co Kildare.