The month of Movember has officially passed, and today I get to say goodbye to my thirty day stache and return to a more recognizable clean-shaven look. I’m ready, because this thing is annoying, it smells like ketchup, and I can’t stop playing with it.
This year, as part of my Movember efforts I wanted to create a series of videos discussing the big issues that affect men’s health and cause men to die to young: Prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health/suicide prevention. I introduced the month formerly known as November with partial nudity, took viewers for a walk near the beach to hopefully raise awareness for prostate cancer. My video about testicular cancer fell prey to technical difficulties.
The final video, regarding mental illness and suicide prevention almost didn’t happen either.
The reason? Well, because it’s difficult to talk about.
Three out of four suicides are men, and globally, we lose a man to suicide each and every minute. It’s an enormous problem, and we need to learn how to talk about it.
Each us has suffered a loss from suicide. In over twenty years with the fire service and EMS, I’ve witnessed first hand how suicide can devastate families and communities. On a personal level, I’ve lost friends, and I couldn’t help but wonder if there was something I missed. What if I had asked a few questions? And listened? But it’s difficult to talk about. And it’s easy to get wrapped up in worry about saying the wrong thing, that nothing is said.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.
Safe Call Now is a confidential, comprehensive, 24-hour crisis referral service for all public safety employees, all emergency services personnel and their family members nationwide.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention raises awareness, funds scientific research and provides resources and aid to those affected by suicide, including those who have suffered the loss of a loved one to suicide.
Thank you for following along with this year’s Movember efforts to help change the face of men’s health. Check out the Movember Foundation for more information on men’s health and what you can do to help keep men from dying too young. If you’d like, you can donate to help support the good work they do.
