Movember returns with a greater mental health emphasis amid pandemic
Posted November 2, 2020 9:26 am.
Last Updated November 2, 2020 9:27 am.
Vancouver (NEWS 1130) – Movember began 17 years ago to raise awareness about prostate cancer and has since expanded its focus to include all facets of men’s health.
This year, the emphasis is once again on mental health and depression, especially now, given the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“While prostate cancer and testicular cancer and other causes continue to take lives every day, research is showing that isolation and lack of social connection are factors that can lead to mental health struggles and potentially suicide,” says Mitch Hermansen, the western Canada lead for Movember.
He admits 2020 has been a challenging year for all us.
“Things like job loss and financial challenges or uncertainty, in general, are really impacting people across the board and, you know, using this month and some of those moustaches to raise awareness around mental health and fund important programs and use this time as a moment to reach out to people in our lives and remind them [about] their mental health and taking care of it is really important.”
It’s here. For those about to Mo, we salute you.
Bushy or bristly. Long or short. Neat or grizzly – whatever you Grow will save a Bro.
Let’s change the face of men’s health, one moustache at a time.Sign up at: https://t.co/rkB54Uv8AS#Movember pic.twitter.com/VymMFjPDKy
— Movember Canada (@MovemberCA) November 1, 2020
Hermansen warns ignoring mental health issues can have deadly consequences.
“In Canada, before COVID, three out of four suicides were by men and for the age category of men,” he points out. “Between the ages of 15 and 44, suicide is the second leading cause of death, which when you take a moment to think about it, it’s pretty shocking.”
However, Hermansen adds, suicides are completely preventable and that’s why Movember is aiming to reduce their number by 25 per cent by the year 2030.
Last year, Movember raised nearly $110 million worldwide, more than $20 million of that in Canada.
You find out more about the moustache-growing fundraiser by going to the main Movember page.
