Why Movember is asking you to be a man of more words

Globally, one man dies by suicide every minute. On World Suicide Prevention Day, Movember is asking men to start having better conversations
Movember
Movember4 February 2022

We’ve all got that friend that we’re a bit worried about. Perhaps someone who has lost their job recently or a work colleague who is going through an acrimonious break up, or the mate who is struggling to balance family commitments with the demands of work.

And even though we know that what we should do is pick up the phone and give them a call to find out how they are doing, if we’re feeling awkward about how he might react or struggling to come up with the right words to start that conversation, it’s easy to let it slide.

New research commissioned by Movember has revealed that half of us lack the confidence to approach a male work colleague, friend, or family member we’re worried about.

The findings, released ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day (Friday 10 September), showed that fear of causing offence or saying the wrong thing were the top reasons given for not checking in on men who might be struggling with their mental health.

One man, every minute

Globally, one man dies by suicide every minute. That’s over half a million fathers, partners, brothers, and friends each year, making it one of the biggest public health challenges of our time.

It’s not always easy to reach out when things get tough, but we know that honest conversations early on can reduce the risk of suicide. This year, on World Suicide Prevention Day, our message comes straight from men who know that better than anyone.

Movember’s film – Suicide Notes Talk Too Late – features seven men from around the globe sharing their own personal experiences. It ignites important conversations about suicide, the complex issues that surround it and what everyone can do to address it.

Thankfully, the men featured as part of this film made it through. What we can learn from their experience is the power of meaningful conversations.

We know from Movember’s own research that reaching out regularly to have honest conversations with the men in our lives can help to prevent them from reaching a crisis point.

It’s why we’re challenging men to be a Man of More Words, for themselves and for their loved ones around them. It’s why we’re asking men to go beyond the banter and push through any embarrassment or awkwardness and make time for meaningful chats about the bigger stuff in life.

Better conversations

Use Movember Conversations to support the men in your life who might be struggling.
Movember

To be able to better support the men in your life who might be struggling, Movember created Movember Conversations. Based on the ALEC framework (Ask, Listen, Encourage action, Check in) and guided by an international team of mental health experts, Movember Conversations is a free interactive digital tool that presents a number of scenarios including job loss, social isolation and family pressures.

It uses simulated conversations to explore and practise how anyone might navigate a difficult conversation with someone they care about.

Don’t assume they don’t want to be bothered or don’t want to talk. Just making the call can go a long way. From talking about the kids, the bills, a new job, or a setback – the right conversation can make all the difference to a friend who might be struggling. If we all dig a little deeper, we can help prevent more men from reaching a crisis point.

Movember Conversations can found at conversations.movember.com

To connect with support services or get advice on how to reach out to a friend who is struggling go to uk.movember.com/mens-health/suicide-prevention and for more information on Movember Conversations, and to get help, visit movember.com/suicideprevention

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