I dont personally have any issues with my circumcision and am quite happy with it. But its apparent that many guys do have issues and even get to the point of despair and suicide like that young man referenced in BBC article above. I wonder whether if he had talked about to someone trusted if the suicide could have been avoided. Too late now.
I think that you make a good point. I certainly remember that at that age I was all over the place, emotionally, without the added pressure of a major trauma such as having to cope with something like circumcision. alone. Being so far away from home must have been very difficult, even if it was personal choice. It's sad that he wasn't able to discuss it with his parents but, if he came from a very traditional British family, a "stiff upper lip" may have been encouraged at a young age and issues with your penis are not something that most lads would openly discuss with parents - or even with close friends ("not the done thing" and all that). I think that that is gradually becoming more of an old-fashioned idea, thank goodness, and the stigma of discussing such issues is slowly becoming outdated amongst the younger generation - especially amongst their peers. However, it may just be that this young lad had not yet established a trusted social circle in his new home, friends in which he felt secure and comfortable with which to start such a personal conversation and seek advice.
I don't mind admitting that reading Alex's story reduced me to tears. Such a waste and so sad for the family that adored him so much. Given that it's Mental Health Awareness week here in the UK I just felt that it was a story worth sharing and food for thought.
