On the back of Movember coming to a close there is disturbing research about young men and mental health issues.
Key Findings of the Movember charity’s study indicate that more than half of young men in Australia feel society doesn’t understand them and shows that men’s mental health is still in crisis.
● 39% of young Aussie men feel they have no one they can really count on.
● 38% have not reached out for help or support when struggling with their mental health.
● More than half (54%) of young Australian men feel pressure around being a man, and two-thirds (66%) feel society doesn’t understand young men.
● Four in five (81%) young Aussie men feel that the current media focus on the impact of masculinity on men’s wellbeing was an important one.
Movember is known as the hairy season and has gained global momentum and is also a leading charity in addressing the changing face of men’s health.
According to the charity they have sparked millions of conversations about men’s health around the world, and these important conversations need to be had.
Movember’s Director of Mental Health Training, Dr Zac Seidler, said, “It is heartbreaking to see that so many young men don’t feel like they have anyone they can count on and that they feel pressured about being a man.
“While Movember has achieved a lot in our 19 years, we know there’s more work to be done to help change the face of men’s health.”
“We know that most mental health disorders will onset by the age of 14, so early intervention is critical,” Dr Seidler said.
In Australia, suicide is the leading cause of death in men aged 15-54 and men.
Movember’s APAC Country Director Rachel Carr said “As we know suicide is the leading cause of death for young Men in Australia, losing on average six men a day. It’s unnerving to see so many young men struggling, and feeling pressure about where to turn for help.
“With Movember coming to a close, there’s still time to show your support this hairy season.
“Every donation – no matter how big or small – really does save lives and we need to continue to have these important conversations to help our brothers, sons and fathers, all year round.” Ms Carr said.
The charity says, ‘please give some dough and help save a bro’ and that your generous donations can help fund lifesaving mental health initiatives and programs like Movember Conversations, Ahead of the Game, WOW Surf n Sand and Family Man.
Funds also go towards biomedical research and treatments for other cause areas including prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Let’s do it for the men in our lives. Donate now at www.movember.com or via the Movember app.
