GUELPH – Men’s Health Awareness Month is led globally by Movember, the focus of which is on addressing men’s mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW) recognizes the importance of men’s mental health awareness and the attention that is brought to it during Movember.
“As an organization, we aim to normalize conversations about mental health issues and reduce the stigma that often prevents men from seeking help,” states a press release from the organization.
CMHA WW recognizes that stigma may make it difficult for men to identify their own mental health and addiction issues.
In addition, signs and symptoms of mental health conditions may present themselves differently in men.
Some signs of mental health distress are a change in appearance – not taking care of themselves, a change in sleeping patterns – sleeping too much or not enough, withdrawing, or isolating, lashing out, an increase in substance use.
Men are more likely to describe their mental health concerns as physical symptoms such as headaches or chronic pain.
This link between signs of mental illness and physical symptoms is often unrecognized and leads to undiagnosed, untreated men.
As a result, men are more likely to develop schizophrenia at a younger age and four times more likely to die by suicide than women. The highest number of suicides occurring amongst men are between the ages of 40 and 60.
Listen and provide space for someone to say that they are feeling down or anxious, the agency advises.
“Men can feel that they aren’t supposed to express their emotions or haven’t been taught the skills to express their emotions. Normalizing conversations about how you might be feeling and asking others how they are feeling can go a long way in tackling men’s mental health issues and getting people the help they need,” says Rodney Phillips, manager of Here 24/7.
Movember
Movember has resources to ‘Help Spot a Bro who is Feeling Low’ and ‘Be a Man of More Words’ to help facilitate deeper conversations, as we know stronger social connections can reduce the risk of suicide.
Movember is also about raising awareness and funds for men’s issues including mental health.
If you are looking for an organization to donate to for your Movember campaign that supports men’s mental health – visit cmhaww.ca/donate or call the fund development manager at 519-546-1139.
If you are in crisis or know someone who needs support, please reach out to Here 24/7 at 1-844-437-3247 (Here 247).
