Over the last couple of years we have seen a growing interest in men’s physical and mental health especially during the month of November. In fact, in beginning of the month, termed Movember, a number of men start with a clean shave, and grow a moustache during the rest of the month. This gesture aims to raise awareness on men’s health issues including testicular and prostate cancer, depression, anxiety and suicide. This campaign attempts to empower men to lead better, healthier lives.
The Movember movement started back in 2003 in Australia however it has now turned global. This lobby does not focus only on physical health but also on men’s mental health.
The idea of growing a moustache is only a medium that aims to get people talking about the stigma around men’s mental and physical illness which at times affects men in their prime.
For example, according to the American Foundation for suicide prevention, men died by suicide at a rate of 3.54 % higher than women in 2017. In a study carried out in the same year in Malta the results are more alarming with percentages of men dying by suicide up to 80% of the total number studied.
Looking at men’s physical health is also essential. Cancer, for example, continues to grow as a threat to life as we know it and screening is at times frowned upon. Normalising getting regular medical check-ups is important as early detection helps with better treatment outcomes. Since the start of the COVID pandemic we have seen a decrease in individuals seeking medical help because they are afraid of going to their GP or to Mater Dei for check-ups. If you or those around you have symptoms that are worrying, it is very important to get checked while taking the right precautions.
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Most men are socialised into thinking that being strong and tough means staying silent and being able to fix problems on their own. They are afraid of showing vulnerability because they are afraid of being labelled as ‘weak’, ‘sisi’ or ‘not man enough’.
Unfortunately, even in 2020, there is a stigma associated with men being vulnerable by talking about feelings and emotions. Too many seem to be toughing it out and struggling alone.
We all have men in our lives: partners, husbands, brothers, fathers, sons, colleagues and friends. Let’s start a conversation. Let us be genuinely interested in each other’s well-being. As Christmas approaches, let us show each other that we care.
For more information about health checkups specific to men and women please click here…
More information about Movember can be accessed here…
Anna Catania (M.Cons. PG(Dip) Psychosexual and relationship therapy is a warranted counsellor specialised in the area if sex and relationships. She provides counselling to individuals and couples who are having difficulties with sexuality, relationships and intimacy.
Click here to check out Anna’s full bio as well as a list of all her Wham published articles
