A physical injury is pretty easy to spot. A pulled muscle, an aching back, or just generally overdoing it in a rare gym session. What’s more, most men are actually really good at telling people when they are in physical pain, and even visit professionals for a second opinion. Unfortunately, when it comes to mental health, quite the opposite happens.
The reality is men still find it hard to open up and talk about their emotions even when all the signals are there. Whether it’s a change in personality, feeling low a bit too often or going through a big life change its important to be honest and make sure you reach out. Even if you’re feeling great then there’s still more you can do, like seeing if those around you are feeling mentally ok too, which unfortunately isn’t happening enough.
Movember, the leading men’s health charity, revealed earlier this month that nearly half (46 per cent) of British men said no one had checked to find out how they were coping during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that a fifth of men (22 per cent) reported their mental health had worsened compared with before the outbreak.
It’s not all bad news and there’s help out there, but the best thing we can all do is make sure we check in with each other. Simply by connecting and catching up with each other we can turn the tide on what are some pretty horrible statistics around male mental health.
In a bid to create more awareness around the current men’s health crisis, the charity has joined forces with renowned photographer Greg Williams to shoot some very familiar faces with the aim of putting men’s health on the agenda.
Once again Movember are asking supporters all around the world to support the cause this November by registering at Movember to grow a moustache, or if you’re follically challenged, commit a physical fundraiser or even hosting an event.
Remember there’s help out there, but the best thing we can all do is make sure we check in with each other. Simply by connecting and catching up we can turn the tide on what are some pretty horrible statistics around male mental health.
Money raised by its global community, Movember funds ground-breaking medical research, innovative cancer tests and treatments, and game-changing mental health interventions such as Mo Conversations, which encourages men to have that all-important conversation.
To learn more, sign up, or donate please visit Movember.com.
