21 WINTER PROTECT NEWSLETTER more severe conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. However one of the most pressing concerns is the high rate of suicide among men, as shown above, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. This alarming statistic underscores the need for targeted mental health interventions and support systems tailored to men's specific needs. Several factors contribute to the mental health challenges faced by men. Societal expectations often dictate that men should be stoic, self-reliant, and emotionally resilient. These stereotypes can discourage men from seeking help or expressing vulnerability, leading to untreated mental health issues. Additionally, men may experience stress related to work, financial pressures, and family responsibilities, all of which can exacerbate mental health problems. International Men's Day 2024: Celebrating Positive Male Role Models International Men's Day, observed annually on November 19th, provides important platform for addressing men's mental health. This day celebrates the positive contributions of men to society, their families and their communities, while also drawing attention to the challenges they face. The theme for this years’ International Men's Day was ‘Positive Male Role Models’ highlighting the importance of fostering open conversations about men's mental health and creating environments that support their well-being. The day also promotes the extremely important message that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that everyone deserves access to mental health resources and support. Movember: Changing the Face of Men's Health As I’m sure many of you know, Movember, an annual event held every November, has become synonymous with raising awareness about men's health issues, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. The movement encourages men to grow moustaches during the month to spark conversations and raise funds for men's health initiatives – some of you may have seen that our CEO, Bob Hunt, has taken part this year! Take a look at his fundraising page (featuring an amusing photo!) here. One of the key focuses of Movember is mental health and suicide prevention. The campaign funds numerous projects aimed at improving mental health services, promoting early intervention, and reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues. Movember's initiatives include community programs, educational resources, and support networks designed to help men navigate their mental health journeys. Continued on next page...
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