Jean-Louis Parmasad
Movember was started in Australia in 2003 by Travis Garone and Luke Slattery, who found 30 guys willing to grow a moustache for the month of November. These were the original 30 “Mo Bros.” Since then, Movember has raised nearly one billion US dollars for men’s health. It has sparked millions of conversations worldwide, seeking to overcome the stigma surrounding men’s physical and mental well-being.
The expressions: “suck it up,” “don’t be a pussy,” “don’t be a girl” are all too common. Maybe they are said in a humorous or joking manner, but they can strike a chord when heard in the mind of a person going through “stuff” at the wrong time. It’s not necessarily that mocking or teasing should be restrained, but more so that we need to check in on each other and let others know when we aren’t in the right mind space for these chirps.
We aren’t all lucky to have a robust support system – and it might sometimes be our own fault. As “manly men,” we often don’t want to or don’t know how to reach out to others in times of weakness. To everyone going through “stuff,” please talk. Start small, choose someone, and tell them a few words. You may be surprised how receptive and understanding others can be, even people you aren’t very close to. Just the act of getting thoughts off your chest, sharing your fears and worries with others can be massively relieving.
Physically, many of us are quick to dismiss signs, symptoms, bumps, or lumps. Many men were raised in this mindset, whether directly or indirectly, by family or by society. Sure, being “tough” has its place. But problems can arise when pain or discomfort is dismissed in the mindset that it’ll go away. In Canada, testicular cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in men aged 15 to 35, affecting 1 in 250 men. When caught early, the prognosis is good – all to say, check yourself regularly. For more information on how to examine yourself, check our Movember’s “guide to checking your nuts” at Movember.com
Especially in these times where so many experience loneliness and are distanced from close friends and family, it’s crucial to check in on one another. To support the men, guys, and bros in your life, check how they’re doing. To help anyone in your life, check in on them. Let them know you’ll always be there to talk, listen, and support them, no matter what they’re going through. And to everyone out there with nuts, check your nuts.
Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566
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