Takeaways from Movember 2020

As we approach the end of another successful Movember and Men’s Health Awareness Month, it’s essential to take away some key notes to apply to our everyday life to address the reasons for why men, globally, are dying earlier due to reasons that are mostly preventable.

Fathers, husbands, brothers, boyfriends and sons around the world are facing a health crisis that still hasn’t received the attention it deserves. Let’s have a look at some health and social challenges men face today that require more conversation.

Mental health

· Approximately one million Canadian men suffer from major depression each year

· Around 10% of Canadian men experience significant mental health challenges in their life

· On average, approximately 4,000 Canadians take their own life each year, of those suicides; 75% are men

Not to mention that Inuit men have a suicide rate double the Canadian national average, and men part of the LGBTQ+ community have a higher rate of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, suicidality, self-harm and substance abuse in comparison to their heterosexual counterparts.

Why is this happening? As a society, through cultural and traditional customs, men face added stigma in seeking help for mental health as a preventative measure from presenting signs of weakness. The traditionally followed principle that ‘real men’ don’t require help or openly discuss emotional turmoil has brought up the modern term ‘toxic masculinity’. The current climate of our world today plays a critical role in addressing men’s mental health, and national strategies need to me made to address rising numbers of men experiencing mental health issues.

The benefits of exercise

You already know that physical exercise is good for you, but what you may not have known is that it plays directly into your mental health and can help you work through depression, anxiety and a span of other illnesses.

There’s a fundamental connection between mental and physical health. People living with mental illness have a much higher risk of developing chronic physical conditions, and vice versa; people living with chronic physical conditions experience higher levels of depression and anxiety, at almost twice the rate.

The stigma associated with mental illness also continues to be a barrier in the diagnosis of both physical and mental health conditions, for a variety of reasons. Negative past experiences can prevent people from seeking out help, such as discrimination or misdiagnoses.

The mind and body are both involved in physiological processes. The co-existing of mental illnesses and chronic physical conditions can decrease the quality of life and lead to longer illness duration and worse health outcomes, and understanding the link between the mind and body is the first step towards developing strategies to better understand and take care of your body.

· Studies show that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication

· Exercise is a natural and highly effective treatment against anxiety and high stress

· Exercising regularly is also one of the best ways to reduce symptoms of ADHD, improve concentration, motivation, memory and mood.

Coping during COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic has no doubt affected everyone’s health, whether it be physical, mental or both. It’s caused a lot of stress, anxiety, and fear that has caused many to go into depression. Mental health problems, especially in a time like this, are common, and it’s important to know that you are not alone. Here are some tips to reduce stress and promote your wellbeing during these hard times:

1. Pause, Breathe, Reflect.

Take some slow breaths; it’s one of the best ways to lower your stress. Notice how you are feeling and what you are thinking without judgment. Instead of reacting to those thoughts or feelings, note them, and let them go.

2. Connect with others.

Talk to people you trust can help. Keep in regular contact with those close to you, tell them how you feel and share your concerns.

3. Keep a healthy routine.

Get up at similar times everyday, maintain your personal hygiene, eat regular and healthy meals, and exercise regularly to get better sleep, more energy, and stronger resilience when faced with mental or emotional challenges.

4. Reach out for help if you need it.

Through better understanding the challenges and stigma surrounding on men’s health, here’s how we can support our male counterparts in facing these challenges:

1. Become better informed.

Learn about ways you can help and support your loved ones, and how you can protect your own mental and physical health.

2. Ask what you can do.

If you see someone in your life struggling with challenges, ask what you can do to help.

3. Guide them to appropriate supports.

Check out your local support options and guide them to appropriate care options, whether that me healthcare providers or therapeutic options.

4. Listen and be encouraging.

Sometimes all people need is someone to talk to; be a listener for others and encourage them to openly discuss their challenges. Guide them to appropriate supports if you feel necessary.

5. Take care of yourself.

You can't take care of others if you don't take care of yourself first. Prioritize your mental and physical health by taking steps to stay healthy, eat well, and exercise regularly.

As a society we can work together to address the stigmas around men’s health and encourage everyone to seek help properly when in need, and openly discuss challenges they face. Together we can make a happier, healthier society by being an advocate for others and ourselves .

Be kind to yourselves during these troubling times, you're not alone! Let's see how far we can get as a community by Movember 2021!