Why November
November has become the month when communities worldwide spotlight men’s health — especially mental health and suicide prevention — largely because of the global "Movember" movement. "Movember" began in 2003 as a moustache-growing campaign to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues (mental health, suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancer) and since then has grown into a global movement that funds research and awareness programmes
The statistics are frightening
- In England, around 15% of men have a common mental health disorder (anxiety, depression or similar) — showing mental ill-health is common among men. Mental Health Foundation
- Suicide remains a major risk: male suicide rates are much higher than female rates — recent data show male suicide rates in England & Wales at around 17–18 deaths per 100,000 people, substantially higher than female rates. (The suicide rate for males rose to 17.4 per 100,000 in 2023 and remained around 17.6 per 100,000 in 2024). Office for National Statistics+1
- Many men don’t talk about it: surveys find a large minority of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health — one poll reported about 40% of men had never discussed their mental health with anyone, citing embarrassment and stigma as major barriers. Priory
These figures show two things: (1) mental health problems are common among men, and (2) men are disproportionately likely to die by suicide — making awareness and early help crucial.
Men are less likely to seek help.
Sadly, there are still several social and psychological factors which act as barriers:
- Gender norms & stigma — cultural expectations (“men should be strong, not show emotion”) discourage talking about feelings. Mental Health Foundation
- Practical barriers — work hours, lack of flexible healthcare appointments, and concerns about cost or confidentiality.
- Low mental health literacy — men (and people around them) may not recognise early signs or know how to ask for help.
- Fear of burdening others or losing status at work/home.
Signs to look our for in men who may be struggling
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or tearfulness.
- Irritability, anger, or sudden mood swings.
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or once-loved activities.
- Changes in sleep (insomnia or sleeping too much) or appetite/weight.
- Loss of interest in sex or increased risk-taking/substance use.
- Unexplained physical symptoms (headaches, stomach pain).
- Talking about being a burden, hopelessness, or any mention of suicide.
If you see clusters of these signs for more than 2–3 weeks, please encourage them to have a check-in and professional support.
Practical things men can do to help themselves
- Talk to someone — a trusted friend, partner, colleague, or helpline. Start small: “I’ve not felt myself lately.”
- Schedule a GP appointment — NHS or primary care can assess, advise, and refer to talking therapies or medication if needed.
- Routine basics — regular sleep, 3 balanced meals a day, 20–30 mins movement most days, reduce alcohol and drug use.
- Micro-mental-health habits — short breathing exercises, 5–10 minutes of mindfulness, journaling one positive thing a day.
- Peer groups — men’s groups or activity-based groups (walking football, woodworking, veterans’ groups) often help because they combine social contact with purpose.
- Use trusted helplines & apps — crisis lines, local mental health services, or well-regarded mental-health apps for CBT/self-help. (If in immediate danger, call emergency services.)
- Book in with a therapist - there are many different types of therapies and therapists. Take time to find one you are comfortable with. Often I will find that men find it hard to start talking, so I will start with a Bowen Therapy and then we can explore from there as there is no need to talk with Bowen, but it calms the system down which then helps men to talk.
How you can help if a man in your life is struggling and how to look after yourself.
- Open the conversation gently: use “I’ve noticed…” rather than “You always…” (e.g., “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed quieter lately — are you OK?”).
- Offer specific help: “Would you like me to book the GP or therapist appointment with you?” or “Do you fancy going for a walk together?” Concrete offers are easier to accept than “Let me know if you need anything.”
- Listen without fixing: show empathy, let them talk at their pace, validate feelings (don’t minimize).
- Know the emergency signs: talk of suicide, unbearable hopelessness, or plans means act immediately — seek urgent medical help or contact crisis services.
- Encourage professional support: gently suggest GP, charity helplines, or mental health services; remind them it’s common and treatable.
Caring for someone in mental distress is demanding; look after your own wellbeing:
- Set boundaries — caregiving is important but you can’t be the only support network.
- Get your own support — talk to friends, family, your GP, or a counsellor. Carer support organisations can help.
- Take time out — short breaks, hobbies, and rest matter.
- Learn about the condition — understanding reduces fear and improves supporting choices.
- Plan for crisis — have emergency contacts and a plan so you’re not making decisions under high stress.
Self-care is imperative.
Final note — why November matters
November concentrates attention. "Movember" creates social permission for men to talk, funds vital research and services, and helps communities normalise help-seeking. Collective attention saves lives — small conversations in workplaces, pubs, clubs and online often start the path to recovery.
