All about Movember

Ayazhan Zhaksybayeva
Nov 23
3 min read

Updated: Nov 24

The history of Movember:

In 2003 two friends Travis Garone and Luke Slattery from Australia. Started a movement on men’s both mental and physical health. This movement has helped more than 1,320 men all over the world. They searched for a way to improve and support men.

They have looked into the three main health issues that men experience men’s mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. As a result this has helped a lot of men all around the world to start looking and taking care of themselves which is why more men are living healthier lives and live longer.

In 2003 they raised no money through this movement because it wasn't that popular and supported by the people. But then in 2004 they raised money for prostate cancer where they have raised more than $40,000. In 2005 the symbol of moustaches started gaining more attention in Australia and already by their 2nd year they raised more than $900,000 for Prostate cancer awareness. In 2006 it became an official charity status in Australia. They have officially partnered with New Zealand. By 2011 more countries launched this campaign and raised more than $280,000,000 and was ranked in the top 100 of the best charities in the world. By 2019 they have raised and funded for 1,250 men all over the world. Now growing a moustache each November is a sign of supporting Movember.

Why does men's mental health matter ?

Mental health is a problem for both men and women, not only women. Depression is real. Anxiety is real.

Men are three times more likely to commit suicide, and suicide is a leading cause of death for men. Nowadays the society is more open to hear and talk about men’s mental problems and it is okay to talk about them. But some still make assumptions on how men should act. From early ages boys are taught to hide their emotions, the stress they go through and that they cry. Saying that “Real men don’t cry” or even “Are you a crybaby ?”. Crying is a natural and healthy way to express pain, fear, and joy. Suppressing these feelings from an early age can damage the boys from an early age, which may lead to conflict, stress and physical pain in the future. Turning their mental pain to physical, which is not okay.

“Men can’t be abused”. Men can be abused physically , mentally and even sexually. This saying that men can't be abused can increase the feeling of being shamed which is why more men isolate themselves and are guilt pressured by their own thoughts, just because they were taught to be strong from the early ages.

Communication is key. But most men just keep quiet and go on with their day and keep it shut for a long period of time. Even generally speaking women are most likely to talk about mental health and are able to speak openly about it. 40% of the men never spoke about their feelings to anyone. When they are asked why don't they speak up :

“I’ve learnt to deal with it” 40%

“I don’t wish to be a burden to anyone” 36%

“I’m too embarrassed” 29%

Abuse is alcohol and different substances. Men often drink to self-meditate when they are suffering from depression, anxiety. Even though the feeling is for a short term they will keep drinking because for them it’s like an antidepressant.

Financial pressure. Men are pressured into making more money than women, which is why men have work pressure where they just burn out over time and have no motivation to do anything and fall into depression. If a man fails in making enough money for the family he will be guilt pressured and overall pressured by the society because they cant support their family.

Check on your brothers, fathers, friends. If you see any signs of suicide or them falling into depression even a small talk can help them out. Don't let them suffer in silence. Men’s mental health is just as important as women’s mental health.