Growing Stronger, Together: Supporting Men’s Mental Health This Movember and Beyond
Written by Marcus Narsaiya, RCC, Registered Clinical Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Although Movember originally began as a moustache growing campaign focused on raising awareness about men’s cancers, particularly prostate and testicular cancers, it has since evolved into so much more than that. The month of November now has a huge emphasis on the importance of Men’s mental health as well. This important transformation highlights the vital necessity for engaging in open discussions regarding emotional well-being, which encourages men to prioritize their mental health just as much as they do their physical health. By fostering a culture of openness, we can create an environment where everyone feels comfortable seeking support and understanding.
As humans, we naturally develop through the process of attachment, taking in various parts of those we idolize or those who have provided us with any form of care throughout our lives. These relationships shape not only our identities but also influence how we perceive ourselves in relation to the world around us. As a result, our internal psyche becomes a rich representation of the community we belong to and reflects its overall wellbeing.
It’s for this reason Movember is critical to raising awareness to men’s health and reducing barrier around communication about relationships and experiences of our bodies. By fostering open dialogue, Movember encourages men to share their experiences and seek the support they need.
The profound impact of releasing stored emotions from our deep limbic brain is significant, as it helps to release blocks that are present in our associative memory cues. This release allows for our thoughts to be free from the burdens of past pains and traumas, enabling our psyche to become more unblocked and to engage in a state of being that is freely responsive, rather than simply reactive. When we are able to operate without these emotional blocks, we can fully experience a wide range of feelings—pain, love, joy, sorrow, dissatisfaction, boredom—without being triggered or overwhelmed by them. This freedom offers us a healthier and more vibrant emotional landscape to navigate our lives.
It can be scary talking about mental health, experiences of being low, wanting life to end, or not knowing where or who to go to, so a clinical counsellor or psychotherapist is a great start! Learning to be comfortable with vulnerability is essential to help others access and hold the parts of our experiences that require additional support to process.
Whether your physical health is declining, or your mental health can improve, there’s no reason except avoiding your own self-capacity and overall growth to not book an appointment today! Together, we can break the stigma and change the way men approach their health and well-being, ultimately leading to healthier lives more fulfilling experiences, and stronger relationships with those around them.
If you're considering speaking with a therapist about your thoughts and feelings, we want you to know that we are here to listen with compassion and understanding. We encourage you to contact us today to schedule a free consultation call with one of our skilled therapists, who are ready to support you on your journey.
