Movember- Raising Awareness for Men’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Posted on: Wednesday, November 13th, 2024
November isn’t just about the crisp autumn air or the countdown to the holiday season, it’s also the month when men around the world grow out their mustaches for a cause—Movember. While the iconic mustache has become a symbol of Movember, the initiative goes far beyond what meets the eye…Movember started in 2003 when a group of friends decided to raise awareness for prostate cancer. Since then, the movement has expanded to include mental health initiatives and suicide prevention programs. This November, we want to focus on one critical issue that often goes unnoticed—men’s mental health, specifically suicide prevention.
The Stark Reality of Men’s Mental Health
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among men worldwide. Men are three to four times more likely to die by suicide than women, and a large percentage of these men do not seek help until it’s too late. The statistics are even more alarming in middle-aged men, where suicide rates peak between 35-64 years.
There exist factors like work, family and social norms around masculinity- like the pressure to appear self-sufficient, lack of support networks, and stigmas around vulnerability that can weigh heavily on men, but too often, these pressures go unspoken. Movember serves as an important reminder to challenge these norms, create spaces for open dialogue, and encourage men to seek support when they’re struggling.
How You Can Make a Difference This Movember
Ask the men in your life how they’re doing—and really listen. Often just a simple, open ended question like “How are you really doing?” can be the catalyst for meaningful dialogue. Sometimes showing you care, and being patient and non judgmental when they answer can make all the difference.
Share your own story. Vulnerability is contagious. If you’ve faced mental health struggles, feel free to share your experiences with others, and encourage them to seek help if they need it! Men respond well to hearing specific behaviors, thoughts and feeling.
At Journey Counselling, we know that mental health challenges don’t discriminate. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, or the weight of life’s pressures, you don’t have to carry it alone. This Movember, take the first step toward better mental health—for yourself, for the men around you, and for those who need to hear it’s okay to ask for help. Reach out today—we’re here to support you.