On average, Men die 4.5 years earlier than women, largely due to avoidable reasons. Therefore, every November men across the globe grow out their moustaches to show support for men’s health and wellbeing during Movember.
The moustache may be the iconic symbol of this campaign, but it goes above and beyond that. It serves as an icon to inspire conversations about the most pressing issues affecting men. Issues include prostate cancer which around 10.8M men globally are diagnosed with. Between 2017 and 2019, 12,039 men died from prostate cancer.
What is Movember?
Since its founding in Australia in 2003, Movember has funded more than 1250 men’s health projects globally. The movement encourages men to “grow, show, and donate”. Projects raise funds for research into prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health issues.
To do this, each year Movember urges men to grow moustaches as a conversation starter for discussing men’s health. This inspires more people to openly discuss the stigmatised topic of men’s health. Hopefully, this results in men taking a more proactive approach to both their physical and mental health.
The Importance of Men’s Mental Health
Across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of the day, with males accounting for 69% of all suicides.
Mental health issues affect people of any gender, but the outcomes are not typically equal. Due to society’s toxic expectations of masculinity, men are far less likely to speak up about their feelings. Many men hide their anxieties and emotions believing they need to be a ‘real man’. This leaves them to suffer in silence. According to research from the Movember Foundation, men are more likely to use unhealthy coping mechanisms. For example, substance abuse or self-isolation when they face mental health issues.
What Can You Do?
This November you can show your support by:
Growing a Moustache – Embrace your facial hair and show your support for men’s mental health and raise awareness.
Donating or Fundraising – Contributing to the Movember Foundation helps to support their crucial projects, from mental health campaigns to research.
Starting the Conversation – Check in with people in your life. Ask them how they are managing, physically and mentally, and be there as a support if they want to open up. Get rid of that stigma.
The University of Stirling is running its annual Movember where numerous clubs and societies are doing their part to fundraise. So far, £23,446 of their £25,000 goal has been raised. With events like an ‘in his shoes’ run and a cold dip still left to do there’s still plenty of time to play your part. You can donate through the University here.
Movember is so much more than simply growing a moustache; it’s about challenging the stigma surrounding men’s physical and mental health. It’s essential that we create a culture where men feel comfortable to openly talk, seek help, and care for their health.
Featured Image Credit: Movember
Second year Film & Media student
