Movember - Men’s Health Month

Why Movember?

Movember began as a movement to raise funds and awareness about men’s health, specifically prostate and testicular cancer, of which 1 in 7 men and 1 in 263 men will be diagnosed with in their lifetime, respectively. Today, the movement had grown to encompass increasing awareness of not only these two cancers, but also men’s mental health and suicide prevention. Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects worldwide, and these efforts continue to help men’s health issues around the globe. 

Let’s Talk Men’s Mental Health

Men’s mental health is an especially stigmatized topic, which often leads men facing mental health challenges to feel isolated and unable to seek support. Society has taught most men that it is inappropriate and advised against speaking openly about their mental health and emotions in general, making it extremely hard for men to feel comfortable reaching out when they need or want help. The more we talk about these issues, the more we can reduce the stigma and give men the safety and comfort to seek out the support they may desperately need, as well as paving the way for future generations of men to feel safe to express themselves to their friends and loved ones without fear of judgment

The Stats

• In young Canadian men, testicular cancer is the most diagnosed form of cancer.

• In Canada, men’s suicide rates are 3x higher than women’s suicide rates:

  • Resulting in roughly 75% of Canadians who die by suicide being men

  • Suicide is the second leading cause of death in Canadian men aged 15-44

  • The suicide rate of minorities such as Indigenous men is 2x higher than that of their non-Indigenous counterparts

  • Inuit men have 11x higher rate of suicide than their non-Inuit counterparts

• Approximately 10% of Canadian men face major mental health problems in their lifetimes:

  • Minorities such as gay men have a higher rate of experiences mental health challenges, including higher rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidality, and substance abuse

  • Around 1 million Canadian men experience major depression each year 

  • Only 30% of people who use mental health resources are men (typically due to stigma)

  • Roughly 28% of Canadian men fear discussing their mental health could put their employment status at risk

Supporting Yourself and Others

Participating in Movember activities is a great way to support yourself and others. Growing a mustache, attending or organizing fundraising events, or spreading awareness on social media are all examples.

By promoting open conversations, you can also reduce harm to men and improve their mental health. As well as encouraging them to seek help when necessary, you can support organizations that promote mental health and wellbeing. Men should be encouraged to talk about their mental health struggles and seek help in a non-judgmental environment.

Leadership by example is crucial to showing that men can be open about mental health problems. Supporting and understanding your friends and family members is vital. By doing this, men can feel less stigmatized and may be more willing to seek help. A tailored approach to mental health services for men is also important.

Finally, it is important to provide resources and support that can assist men in coping with mental health issues.