What is Movember?
Movember is a charity that hosts an annual event where men grow moustaches and beards in November to promote and raise money for men’s health issues including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and suicide. In this article, we will explore the problem of men’s mental health, what you can do to support yourself and the men in your life, and what you can do to participate in Movember.
The Men’s mental health crisis
Globally men are experiencing a mental health crisis and the statistics are alarming. Men count for around 75% of all national suicides, this has been a trend since the mid-1990s according to the Office of National Statistics. Men are less likely to seek help than women with only 36% of all NHS referrals for psychological therapies being for men. These figures are largely attributed to the fact that stereotypes encourage men to be strong and not to talk about their feelings so they are less likely to admit to struggling with their mental health when it first becomes an issue. Below we will outline some ways we can support the men in our lives and help adopt healthier attitudes towards men’s mental health.
Support
Movember has funded more than 1,320 men’s mental health projects globally and has spread awareness for men’s issues everywhere. Their impact has been huge and helped thousands of men in need. So what can you do to support the men in your life who may be struggling?
1) Encourage a good work-life balance
One of the main reasons men struggle with their mental health is the immense pressure to provide for their household. This has been a long-standing stereotype that men should be the breadwinners and although women are now also able to work, the pressure remains on men to be financial providers. Encourage them to set a boundary between working hours and home hours. This will give them time to recharge from work and to have more energy for tomorrow.
2) Promote unconditional self-acceptance
A huge struggle with mental health is how hard we are on ourselves. One way to promote self-compassion is to ensure men’s feelings are heard and validated. We are all human and we all make mistakes. Let them know that this is okay we are all trying our best.
3) Check-in with them regularly
Checking in with them regularly provides a safe space for men to open up about any issues they may be facing especially as they may be reluctant to bring these issues up themselves. Give them regular opportunities to talk about anything they may be struggling with and show them that you care.
4) Advocate for healthy habits
What we eat, how much we sleep, and how much exercise we get can all contribute to improving our overall mental health. Advocating for these habits can help people maintain good mental health in the long term.
5) Support them in getting help
There is no shame in getting help for our mental health. Men find it harder to make this first step so let them know it is okay and how help could improve things for them. Getting help is not giving up, it is your first step to fighting poor mental health and regaining control.
Get Involved
To show your support to all men struggling this November here are all the ways you can get involved this November.
1) Raise funds
- ● Grow a moustache
- ● Run 60km for the 60 men an hour lost to suicide around the world
2) Donate
Make a single donation directly to Movember. However big or small your donation, you are helping make a huge difference to men’s mental health.
3) Join an event
- ● The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride
- ● The Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive
- ● Runs, Rides, and Treks
4) Support your friends and family
● Check-in with your friends and family regularly. Let them know that you are there to support them and give them a safe space to talk.