With Movember (November 1st - November 30th) upon us once more, it is time to talk frankly about men’s health and why most of us just don’t ask for help… It is okay, to not be okay.
I’m okay (I promise) despite the click bait title, however, I am also not ‘afraid’ these days to speak up and say that has not always been the case. I have participated in Movember for the last 11 years (despite a genetic inability to grow a half decent mo!) having not only experienced the loss of a wonderful man to late diagnosis cancer but dealt with personal mental health issues in more recent times. Thankfully my mental health issues led to nothing more than a few days off work and a couple of years of personal counselling but for some the outcome of not seeking help is far worse.
Whilst Movember is focused on improving men’s health (mental health, suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancer) the central message of looking after yourself, recognising when you need help, asking for that help and (possibly most importantly) recognising when others may need help / support applies to us all.
On this beautiful planet, we are currently living through strange and stressful times. The ability to freely talk with family, friends or health professionals about any negative impacts this environment has on our lives is of paramount importance. Whether eco-anxiety, the impact of conflict (directly or indirectly), finances and / or relationships - many of us carry strong emotions from day to day but sometimes they can become overwhelming. It is recognising this moment, the tipping point of not coping that we need to recognise in ourselves or others and act.
For me it is not about raising money (although all charities are short of funding these past few years!) but rather improving the awareness of men’s health issues, hopefully starting some new conversations and perhaps improving, even saving lives – if I have to look a little ‘odd’ for 30 days to improve the chances of that happening then so be it! My wife really looks forward to Movember…
This year (2023) I decided to give the world a break from the ‘slo-mo’ and instead challenged myself to run 60km over Movember - that is 60km to represent the 60 men suicide takes globally, every hour.
Whether you participate in Movember or not, please remember to look out for each other, never be afraid to speak up when you are down and be there for those that need help.
Be Excellent to each other.
*No really, I’m all good.
Toby Gilbertson, Director of Operations. Movember (November) 2023
#PacSolUK #Movember #MensHealth #MentalHealth