In support of half the population’s mental health
A global movement that is beyond the excuse to grow a moustache – Movember. Focused on men’s mental health, Movember is a social movement with a same-name associated charity to raise awareness and funds for men’s physical and mental health concerns, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. Throughout November, there are so many events and fundraisers that take place to create awareness in support of research and programs that aim to improve and save lives.
It is a social construct that prevents men from being vulnerable and openly talking about their mental health. From a very young age, men are often taught that they should keep their feelings to themselves and that asking for help is a sign of weakness.
This silence can have adverse consequences. Men are more likely to experience untreated mental health issues and are at a significantly higher risk of suicide compared to women. In fact, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) explains that the risk of men dying by suicide is four times higher than that of women.
Untreated mental health issues can result in the use of unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance use and abuse or emotional outbursts due to an inability to express their emotions in a positive or productive way. Mental health is not treated the same way as physical health is, and social norms have created an unhealthy environment for anyone to seek support for invisible illnesses.
According to Clear Behavioural Health, “Men account for a shocking 90 per cent of diagnosed cases of schizophrenia by the age of 30, as well as an estimated 10 per cent of anorexia and bulimia cases, along with an estimated 35 per cent of binge-eating disorder.”
If men have limited experience with expressing their emotions openly, they might find it challenging to discuss any mental health struggles with other people. According to the AAMC, “Society blames men themselves for their struggles… But this approach of placing blame on individuals has produced little by way of clinical, social, or structural interventions to improve men’s mental health.”
When men do seek help, the support they receive falls seriously short. AAMC stated, “Data from Canada and the United States found that more than 60 per cent of men who died by suicide had accessed mental health care services within the previous year.”
Movements like Movember are a way to highlight these critical issues. Regina embraces this important message with various events, fundraisers, and activities that bring people together for a common cause. From fitness classes to unique gatherings like “Hot Ones” challenges, Regina offers plenty of opportunities for residents to support this impactful initiative.
Regina has an impressive lineup of Movember-themed events. For folks interested in spicy challenges, Pile O’ Bones Brewing Company promises a fiery good event. The event brings in 10 mouth-watering hot sauces, and people should consume them at their own risk.
The Eventbrite listing explains that “All proceeds from this event support Movember Canada, a fantastic charity dedicated to improving men’s health.” The goal of this event is to ensure that people have fun while supporting the cause.
The fun and charity aspect doesn’t stop there, as the Student Medical Society of Saskatchewan is organizing a fitness class fundraiser at 7 p.m. on Nov 25 at Wheelhouse in Regina. These spin classes not only promote physical health but also contribute directly to the campaign’s goals.
People have also started their own fundraisers, like the one started by Adam Kletchko, the ambassador for the Movember charity. In a 620 CKRM article, Kletchko discussed why Movember participants grow a moustache during November. He said, “The moustache acts as kind of a walking billboard for men’s health, or a hairy ribbon, that drives conversations around men’s health, and then also raises funds for those key areas as well.” Many barbershops in Regina provide special discounts and Movember packages, donating a portion of their profits to the campaign.
There are also fundraisers elsewhere in Canada. For instance, The Manila Times, based in Ontario, lists Tommy Guns’ “Cuts 4 Nuts” program, where guests can add a donation to Movember to their total when they check out. The Manila Times also lists shops like L’Oreal Men Expert, which is running a promotion to donate $1 from every “Men Expert” product purchase to Movember, up to $25 thousand.
These various events are just some of the ways people can get involved and support a cause that impacts half the global population. From participating in fitness classes, fun challenges, or simply growing a moustache, Movember is a powerful reminder of how communities can come together to tackle pressing health issues in creative and engaging ways.
In Regina, the spirit of Movember thrives through events like the Sask Hot Ones challenge and fitness fundraisers that bring people closer while contributing to a meaningful cause. Folks supporting this cause help to spark vital conversations about men’s health and fund life-saving research and programs. Every effort counts in changing the face of men’s health.
The unfortunate reality of movements like these is that while they garner widespread attention and support, it is only for one month of the entire year. While this brief spotlight is valuable, it is far from enough. There needs to be a sustained effort to create and raise awareness and foster an ongoing dialogue that extends beyond a single month.
There needs be consistent reinforcement, which is crucial to emphasize the importance of open communication, safe spaces, and accessible resources for men to seek support and ask for help without the fear of judgment or stigma. True change requires a cultural shift – one that normalizes vulnerability, prioritizes mental health, and ensures that men feel supported every day of the year and not just during a designated campaign period.
