Empowering Voices: A Focus on Men’s Health This Movember

 

As the leaves change and the air cools, November (clevery branded ‘Movember’) emerges as a powerful reminder to bring men’s health into the limelight. Dating back to the early 2000s, Movember started with a few supportive men growing moustaches in support of prostate cancer. Since then, the cause has gained worldwide momentum and raised more than $900 million USD and funded over 1200 men’s health projects globally. Today, men grow moustaches in solidarity and contribute to the climbing fundraising tally with the goal of reducing stigma for a variety of men’s health issues.  It is a time to address the full spectrum of men’s health, including physical wellbeing, mental fortitude, and the role of a respectful and supportive culture in fostering holistic health.  

 

Understanding the silent struggle of men 

 

Traditional views of masculinity often dictate that men should ‘tough it out’ when facing adversity. This ‘grin and bear it’ mentality has discouraged men from discussing their physical and mental health challenges openly. These traditional gender roles view disclosure of issues or symptoms as a weakness, therefore opening up about feelings or talking about ailments is not seen to be socially tolerated. Clearly, this approach is flawed, as bottling up emotions typically exacerbates problems rather than resolving them. Acknowledging the interconnectedness of mind and body is central to a holistic approach to health; one’s overall wellbeing is compromised when either aspect is neglected. 

 

This reluctance to speak out was demonstrated in a 2020 study, which found that men often avoid labeling themselves as ‘bullied’ in the workplace due to fears of seeming weak. This stigma can significantly impact mental health, as we are at increased risk when we feel threatened by ongoing negative behavior and are unable to address it. Suffering in silence for men is not isolated to mental health. Other issues that impact men, such as heart disease, diabetes, and prostate and testicular cancers also require men being vocal about their symptoms to address the issues before they become serious health concerns Evidence underscores the value of early detection and candid dialogue about health symptoms, leading to improved outcomes. For example, the American Heart Association in 2021 underscored the lifesaving power of community awareness in identifying the early warning signs of heart conditions, one of the top causes of death among men. 

 

By cultivating an environment that not only allows but celebrates the act of reaching out and offering mutual support, we can gradually dismantle these harmful stigmas. It’s about ensuring that no individual has to endure challenges in isolation, whether they’re grappling with emotional turmoil or navigating health changes. Movember is our collective opportunity to reinforce that no man should navigate these waters alone. 

 

How to spot struggles in our male colleagues 

 

By hiding what’s going on physically or emotionally, men are at an increased risk of depression and suicide by a wide margin. Understanding that men may tend to endure their challenges quietly, it becomes crucial for us as leaders and peers to be attuned to these physical symptoms. 

Here are 5 Key Signs of Mental Health Struggles in Men: 

• Withdrawal from social activities: A sudden or gradual retreat from hobbies or social gatherings.

 

• Change in sleep patterns: Sleeping too much or having trouble catching shut eye.

 

• Increased irritability or anger: Out-of-character outbursts or a short temper can be a sign of emotional distress.

 

• Changes in appetite or weight: Significant weight gain or loss, or changes in eating habits.

 

• Decline in performance at work or school: A noticeable drop in productivity or focus can often point to struggles with mental wellbeing.

 

Recognizing these signs is just the first step. It’s equally important to respond with empathy and offer support, encouraging open conversations and a helping hand. 

 

Creating supportive environments 

 

Movember is not just about the changing trends in facial hair. It also shines a spotlight on topics once considered taboo, such as the vulnerability of men. This month is our opportunity to foster environments that don’t just allow, but actively promote dialogue and support for wellbeing. It’s time to break the vicious cycle of silence and ensure that no story of struggle remains untold or unheard.  

 

As we journey through this month, taking time to support our male colleagues and acknowledge the Movember efforts is important, not just for making light of the fun facial hair efforts they’re championing, but to spotlight the issues at large and what this time of year really signals. This can help to build psychological safety around sensitive issues and build respect into our organizational culture.   

 

Want to learn more about how we can help support our male colleagues in Movember? Join our Webinar – Life on the Line: Supporting Men’s Mental Health in a ‘Tough It Out’ Culture.  We will be discussing more on this topic and diving into ways we can help men avoid suffering in silence at work. We’ll equip you with the insights and tools to become a pillar of support in your workplace and community.  

 

Register here: https://headversity.com/webinar/supporting-mens-mental-wellbeing-2023/