Let’s talk about Movember: How can we really support the men around us?

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I bet you’ve seen it already. The posters. The social media challenges. The facial hair of your

male friends creeping ever and ever longer. As we near the close of Movember, we must

praise the valiant efforts made towards destigmatising men’s mental health issues, and

treating both prostate and testicular cancer. Having started small in Australia, Movember has gained real life traction, raising £400 globally since its establishment in 2003.

But is fundraising truly enough to bring light to such a pressing issue? What about the

everyday stigmas that men face- the pressures that persist outside of the month of

November? In the UK, approximately 14 men die every day by suicide, and the numbers

don’t seem to be decreasing. Stoic attitudes towards masculinity persist in modern society,

but emotional repression only contributes to greater levels of anxiety, depression and

unhealthy coping mechanisms. I propose some ways that we can encourage positive mental

attitudes in the men in our lives:

1. Prioritise physical health- studies show that the release of hormones such as

endorphins and serotonin help to regulate our sleep patterns and emotional states.

Even offering to go to the gym with your friend or inviting them to the local Parkrun is

an effective way of helping our male friends without them feeling the pressure.

2. Educate ourselves- taking time to research signs and symptoms of male cancer and

depression, whether we are male or female, is an amazing way to support the men

around us. By staying aware, we can both offer our comfort, and guide others toward

effective professional help.

3. Challenge unhealthy stereotypes- especially in regards to young boys and teenagers

growing up with social media, there are many negative role models pushing ideals of

toxic masculinity. Instead, we must spotlight those men who aren’t afraid to show

emotion, and who promote empathy, compassion and community.

These courses of action are merely words on the page unless we actively engage with, and

administer them. Please do so- you’d literally be saving lives.

Edited by Abi Hall