Men’s Health – #Movember Matters

Movember is a charity that aims to stop men from dying too young by addressing some of the biggest health issues faced by men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention.

From November 1, guys across the globe grow their mo’s to save a bro.  For 30 days these men become walking, talking billboards, raising awareness for the often-ignored issues of men’s health by prompting conversations wherever they go.

Another crucial part of the crusade is to raise funds for the cause. Men donate their face and, much like taking part in a run or a walk for charity, ask their family and friends to sponsor their efforts.

Starting with a measly 30 moustachioed members in 2003, the movement has gained serious global momentum, inspiring over 5 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas and raising over AUD $600 million to date.

On 7^th November, David (not his real name), founder of a successful Property Agency, enjoyed Melbourne Cup Day lunch with friends, attended a Stevie Nicks concert in Sydney’s Darling Harbour with his brother that night, then headed home to take his own life, hanging himself in his laundry where he was found the next morning by his unsuspecting wife.

The handsome and charismatic 43-year-old leaves behind his grieving widow and three young children, a thriving business and a multitude of devastated friends and family members.

As shocking as this story may sound, suicide is sadly the leading cause of death amongst Australian men with six such male deaths in this country every day.

On average, one in eight men will experience depression and one in five men will experience anxiety at some stage of their lives.

Scary statistics when you consider that depression is a high-risk factor for suicide.

Our grandfathers, dads, partners, brothers, sons and friends face a health crisis that isn’t being talked about. We can’t afford to stay silent.

Whether it’s starting your own campaign or supporting someone else’s, both men and women can get involved by choosing to grow, move or host by signing up at au.movember.com.

 If you, or someone you know is suffering from depression, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

One in every four Australians will experience anxiety, take the beyond blue checklist https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety-and-depression-checklist-k10

Photo by Angelina Litvin on Unsplash