For some people, November might mean getting one month closer to the official start of summer, but for others, especially men, it means the beginning of Movember, a month that highlights men’s health, such as prostate and testicular cancer, but also men’s mental health and suicide prevention. Movember aims to take action by improving men’s overall mental health and helping them establish better social connections that can ultimately reduce the risk of suicide, which is alarmingly high in Australia, with 3 out of 4 suicides completed by men.1
While Movember is a positive support in the community, focusing on suicide prevention, early intervention and health promotion, it’s also important to shape conversations about men’s mental health to create a culture where it’s okay to say you’re not okay.
Too often, men’s mental health issues may go unrecognised for reasons that can be avoided or overcome. Perhaps some men feel embarrassed or ashamed to seek help for their mental health issues, or there is a lack of awareness about the signs and symptoms of their mental health issues. There are also external factors such as social norms and expectations that pressure men to be strong and independent, as well as role models that teach men to ‘man up’ and cope with problems on their own.2
Unfortunately, these behaviours can lead to bottling things up, and isolating yourself when you’re feeling down simply increases the risk of mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, going unnoticed and untreated.3 According to Beyond Blue, “On average, one in eight men will experience depression and one in five men will experience anxiety at some stage of their lives.”3 Depression is also a high risk for suicide, and over three-quarters of suicides in 2022 were male.4 Along with depression and anxiety, some prevalent men’s mental health issues include loneliness and stress, which are also commonly dismissed as nothing to worry about.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2022:4
However, with leading charities, such as Movember, and an increasing number of online resources and support, there is a growing recognition that men’s mental health concerns, and not just women’s, are serious issues that cannot be ignored. We must also all play the important role of destigmatising mental illness and communicating with others, whether it’s family, friends or colleagues, that it’s okay to acknowledge when you have a problem or when you’re experiencing mental distress.
Everyone struggles at times, and everyone’s mental health varies during their lifetime, depending on the different stressors and experiences occurring at any given moment.3 However, it’s important to remember that asking for help is a sign of strength and reaching out for help as early as possible can increase your chances of a quicker recovery.2
A good first step to getting help is having a conversation with someone, such as a friend or family member, that you trust. If you think that you might need to speak with a health professional or you need more specific help, Teladoc Health’s Mental Health Service provides you with quick and easy access to a team of mental health experts who will conduct an in-depth review of your new or existing mental health concerns, all from the comfort of your home.
Some online mental health resources for men include:5
If you would like to book a consultation but are not sure if you have access to Teladoc Health services, submit a form here, and a Member Engagement Coordinator will respond shortly.
References:
1. https://au.movember.com/about/mental-health
2. https://mensline.org.au/mens-mental-health/mens-mental-health-common-challenges/
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