Do you know what Movember is? Have you seen a lot of moustaches lately? This is: Movember.
"Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness to make a difference in mental health, in the prevention of suicide and in the fight against prostate and testicular cancers"
This is a good opportunity to raise awareness and try to end stigma around men asking for help or talking about what is going on for them. A key focus of the movement is men’s mental health and in particular suicide prevention, for which figures remain alarmingly high.
Society has expected men to put on a brave face for far too long, have a stiff upper lip instead of talking through problems. As a result, men don't seek help men can and can feel isolation and shame - a huge risk factor for deteriorating mental health. We have lost too many men to continue to let this happen. Talk to the men in your life, ask them how they "really" are. It's ok not to be ok. We can encourage men to get the help they need and live long, healthy lives. Do you think there is stigma around men asking for help or talking about what is going on for them?
If you are a man or who anyone who identifies as male, do you find it tough to ask for help?
What can we do to end this stigma?
Do you think you will grow a moustache?