Movember is widely recognised for the moustaches men grow during November to raise awareness about men’s health issues. While initially focused on prostate and testicular cancer, Movember has grown to address another critical but often overlooked aspect of men’s health – mental health. In recent years, mental health, particularly men’s mental health, has come to the forefront of discussions as a pressing global issue. In this blog, we will dive deeper into Movember’s role in addressing men’s mental health, the importance of therapy, and why breaking the stigma around seeking help is crucial.
Understanding Movember and Its Importance
Movember started in 2003, founded by two Australian men who wanted to raise awareness about men’s health by encouraging men to grow moustaches for the month of November. Since then, it has evolved into a global movement, with millions of participants worldwide, raising funds and awareness for men’s physical and mental well-being.
Though cancer awareness remains a focal point, Movember’s growing concern for mental health signifies the pressing nature of the issue. Men’s mental health is often pushed aside due to societal pressures that expect men to appear stoic, unaffected, and resilient to emotional struggles. The consequences of neglecting mental health are profound. Movember is changing the narrative by using its platform to encourage men to speak openly, seek help, and take preventative measures for mental well-being.
The State of Men’s Mental Health
Globally, suicide rates among men are significantly higher than in women, highlighting the mental health crisis men are experiencing. According to the Movember Foundation, men account for around 75% of suicides worldwide. In the UK alone, suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 45.
Despite these alarming statistics, men are less likely to seek therapy or even open up about their struggles compared to women. This reluctance is often rooted in traditional gender roles, which teach men from a young age to “man up,” avoid vulnerability, and deal with problems independently. Movember is vital in breaking this toxic pattern by emphasising that seeking therapy or opening up is a strength, not a weakness. If you are having or have had suicidal thoughts, check out our page here and also access our FREE suicide and self harm thoughts management module.
How Movember Supports Men’s Mental Health
Movember’s efforts in mental health extend beyond raising awareness. The foundation actively funds various initiatives, organisations, and programmes designed to support men’s mental health. Here are a few key ways Movember is making a difference:
1. Building Community Connections
Men who feel isolated and alone are more vulnerable to mental health challenges. Movember supports initiatives that foster community, allowing men to build meaningful relationships, share experiences, and create a support system. Movember’s campaign encourages men to check in on each other, ask honest questions, and engage in open conversations about mental health.
2. Funding Therapy and Support Services
Movember funds a wide range of mental health services that provide therapy for men, particularly those in vulnerable situations. This includes access to traditional therapy as well as alternative approaches, such as online counselling and community-led peer support programmes. The goal is to make mental health support accessible, non-judgemental, and affordable for all men, regardless of their background. This is also our goal at Man Confidence.
3. Promoting Therapy and Breaking the Stigma
Therapy is an essential aspect of managing mental health, yet many men feel uncomfortable seeking help. Movember has played a pivotal role in breaking the stigma around therapy by promoting it as a necessary and healthy step towards better mental well-being. The foundation’s campaigns often feature real stories from men who have sought therapy, further normalising the idea of seeking professional help.
4. Targeting Specific Mental Health Issues
Men’s mental health issues can vary, ranging from depression and anxiety to bereavement and anger management issues. Movember tailors its mental health initiatives to target these diverse needs, funding therapy and support services specifically designed to address these challenges. The foundation has also made it a point to create awareness around mental health issues in high-risk groups, such as men working in high-stress jobs, veterans, and those experiencing financial strain.
The Role of Therapy in Men’s Mental Health
Therapy is a powerful tool for those dealing with mental health issues, yet men are disproportionately less likely to seek out therapy compared to women. This disparity is often due to cultural norms, misinformation, or even a lack of understanding about what therapy entails.
1. Normalising Vulnerability
Therapy encourages men to embrace vulnerability. Rather than suppressing emotions, therapy helps men acknowledge their feelings, process their struggles, and find effective coping mechanisms. Movember’s focus on mental health normalises this approach, showing that talking to a professional is a valuable way to maintain emotional well-being.
2. Building Emotional Intelligence
Men may often feel unequipped to handle their emotions because they are not taught to recognise or articulate their feelings. Therapy helps develop emotional intelligence, allowing men to better understand their emotional responses and communicate them clearly. This can improve relationships, reduce stress, and lead to healthier decision-making.
3. Coping with Trauma and Grief
Many men face trauma, whether through personal loss, financial difficulties, or physical challenges. Therapy offers a safe space to work through these traumas, whether it’s one-on-one therapy, group therapy, or cognitive-behavioural approaches. Movember’s support of mental health services ensures men have access to the right type of therapy that addresses their specific needs.
4. Improving Relationships
Mental health struggles often affect not only the individual but also their relationships. Through therapy, men can improve communication skills and develop healthier ways to interact with partners, family members, and friends. This helps reduce feelings of isolation and increases connection, which is crucial in fighting loneliness and depression.
Breaking the Stigma: Therapy as a Tool for All Men
One of Movember’s greatest challenges is breaking down the stigma that therapy is a last resort, only for men at their breaking point. Instead, therapy should be viewed as a preventive and proactive measure to maintain good mental health, just as exercise is for physical health.
Movember campaigns continuously work to reshape perceptions, advocating for early intervention. Men who engage with therapy before reaching a crisis point are more likely to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and are less likely to suffer severe mental health consequences.
Getting Involved with Movember
If you want to be part of the movement to improve men’s mental health, Movember offers plenty of ways to get involved:
– Grow a Moustache: Participate in the classic Movember challenge by growing a moustache and encouraging others to donate towards men’s health.
– Move for Movember: Get active by running or walking 60km over the month to represent the 60 men we lose to suicide every hour across the world.
– Host a Mo-ment: Organise events or gatherings to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health.
– Donate: Every contribution helps Movember fund therapy, mental health support services, and awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
Movember plays a crucial role in addressing men’s mental health by encouraging men to open up, seek therapy, and break the stigma around mental health issues. Through therapy, men can develop the tools necessary to manage emotional struggles, improve relationships, and lead fulfilling lives. As Movember continues to expand its impact, men around the world are learning that mental health matters, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Let Movember be the spark that ignites change, encourages therapy, and builds a future where men’s mental health is prioritised.
At Man Confidence we have registered, accredited and experienced therapists and counsellors who can support your mental health.
