New Research Project Targets Mental Health and Suicide Risk Among Swedish Hunters

Magnus Nilsson, a psychologist and hunter, has launched a pioneering research initiative focusing on the mental health of hunters in Sweden, aiming to fill a significant knowledge gap in this community. The project, conducted in collaboration with Lund University and Canadian researchers, will assess suicide risk and psychological well-being over a 3-4 year span through interviews and data analysis. The study seeks to document hunters' self-reported mental health experiences, including issues like sorrow, anxiety, and substance abuse, irrespective of whether they have sought professional help. Initial feedback from the hunting community is positive, although it is still early in the recruitment phase. Nilsson has emphasized participant anonymity, ensuring no disclosed information will be shared with healthcare providers, and expects to present first results next year. The project, fully self-initiated and without external funding, aims to strengthen the hunting community by shedding light on an under-researched aspect of Swedish culture. For immediate support, resources such as suicide hotlines are available.