This November, get ready for people to ask the ‘stache.
November is a special month for many of the facially hirsute among us. It’s Movember, and with more than five million participants worldwide, you can expect to see mustachioed men galore by the end of the month.
That hairy upper lip? It’s a conversation starter. Are you prepared for when people #askthestache?
Most people associate Movember with men’s cancer, but men’s mental health is also an important part of Movember awareness. So whether you’re growing a chevron, handlebar, Dali, or pencil ‘stache, your facial hair is a chance to start conversations about men’s mental health.
Don’t worry — we’re here to help. Let’s look at some facts about men’s mental health, and how men can build strong minds.
We’ll start with the sobering ones:
- Men are four times as likely as women to die by suicide. Four times.
- In Canada, suicide is the leading cause of death for all men between ages 10 and 49. On top of this, men between the ages of 50 and 54 have the highest rate of suicide among all age groups.
- Depression often looks different in men than in women. Men more often are irritable, not sad. They tend to have more physical symptoms — backaches, digestive troubles, sleep problems. Men are also more likely than women to mask their symptoms by diving into work, TV, or substance use.
- Men are probably underdiagnosed with depression, but even so, 1 million Canadian men had major depression in 2016.
- Untreated depression decreases quality of life. It can lead to increased anger, aggression, risk-taking, substance use, and suicide.
There’s good news, though. Depression is treatable, and the earlier someone gets help, the more
treatable it is.
Seeking help early means getting better quicker.
The culture that tells guys to “man up,” “toughen up,” to be stoic and individual, has to stop.
It’s killing men. Literally killing men.
Knowing the facts, showing vulnerability is actually showing strength. It’s heroic. It saves lives.
It’s important that men, and the people who care about them, learn to recognize the signs of depression and take steps to address potential problems early, before they become life-threatening.
- When a friend or family member shuts down communication, or shows other signs that something’s wrong, talk to him. Ask how he’s doing. Let him know you’re there for him. Not every conversation has to be about mental health, but he needs to know the topic is on the table.
- Consider your approach. Should you talk “shoulder to shoulder” during a shared activity, such as watching TV, doing a hobby, or driving? Would it be easier to start an open conversation online or by texting?
- If you’re worried someone is thinking about suicide, ask. You’re not making them more likely to do it, or planting ideas in their head. You may, however, be starting a life-saving conversation.
- Read Movember’s excellent guide for talking to someone you’re concerned about.
Here’s how men, and those around them, can build healthier brains:
- Take charge of your own mental health through regular exercise, participating in meaningful activities, connecting with friends and family, relaxing, and seeking professional help when you need it.
- Be open with your family doctor about any mental or emotional challenges you’re facing — getting a mental health check-up is just as important as getting a physical one.
- Offer help to others in a non-judgmental, supportive way.
- Raise sons that are socialized in a way that promotes their unique skill set, encourages self-esteem, and allows for self-expression.
When your mustache starts a conversation, let us know by using #askthestache.
May your mustaches be particularly mustachy this year.