November means a couple of things for some… Retail shops bring out their Christmas decorations ahead of schedule. Australians gather to remember those who fought in the First World War on Remembrance Day. The Aussie weather starts to heat up as Summer hits. And for men, it’s a sacrilegious time to shave.
Now in its 17th year in Australia, Movember returns with its annual month-long fundraiser that challenges men across the country to grow a moustache (and/or beard or some type of facial hair) and raise awareness for men’s health issues. The event, which encourages millions of men around the world to embrace the moustache, is pivotal in helping fight against prostate cancer, testicular cancer and male suicide.
In Australia, 1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85 and around 6 men will die each day to suicide. What’s worse is that our isolated world has made it tougher to socially connect and find support. In a recent survey conducted by the Movember charity, 8 out of 10 Australian men found it helpful when people asked if they were having a difficult time, yet over half of them said no one had actually asked how they were coping due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, 1 in 5 men reported their mental health had worsened compared to before the outbreak and almost a third said they felt more lonely than ever before.
Fighting the good fight and contributing largely to this fundraising effort is our very own Operations Manager, Justin Ballantyne. The Grants Hub sat down to chat with Justin about his newly formed ‘handlebars’ and his own personal reasons for getting behind the charity.
What prompted you to take part in the Movember challenge in 2020?
There are two main reasons why I’m growing the ‘mo’. The statistics are a good indication of where men’s health is currently at. Globally, a man dies every minute from suicide, and the uncomfortable truth is that some stereotypical forms of masculinity are killing men. I want to challenge this. Secondly, my own empathy towards these statistics was consolidated through personal battles with mental health. I say battle because that’s truly what it was, it’s almost like a battle of you vs. you. The good news… together we can challenge the negative aspects of masculinity and the impact this can have on mental health. Responses like Movember raise awareness and show what can be done in order to turn these statistics around. This is something I’m super passionate about.
Why do you think mental health awareness is so important?
It’s interesting, we acquire so much information throughout our lifetime, but for most of us, little is learnt about the engine-room itself - our brain. Details on how it functions, what feeds a healthy mindset and how we identify whether it’s ticking along nicely seems to attract little attention. Men, regardless of age group, often don't recognise when they’re experiencing a mental health issue, and this has certainly been the case in my own journey. But, when you get to a point where you sit down and ask yourself the really hard questions, it can bring so much clarity. Questions like, “If I continue on this same trajectory where will I land?”; “Is there more to life than constant stress, anxiety or depression?” or even “Is this normal or have things crept into my life to a point where it’s now a little (or a lot) out of control?”
The good news out of all of this is that in a world where the health crisis amongst men has never been greater, the knowledge of what can be done has never been larger.
What goals did you set for the Movember challenge?
I’ve set out a couple of goals to contribute to Movember. These include to raise over $1000.00 through donations to the charity, run 60 km over the month, and to still have a wife when my ‘mo’ is at its finest!
Have you ever taken the Movember challenge before?
I’ve taken part in it once, about 10 years ago. This time it’s different though. Since experiencing my own mental health challenges, it’s like I’m wearing my ‘mo’ with more meaning and pride.
Have you identified any challenges/strengths in the Movember initiative?
Hmmm, that’s a great question. Challenges? My wife’s reaction when I first walked out with ‘mo’ handlebars (which have since been removed!). Itchiness is also now coming into play. In terms of strengths, it has reminded me of my own mental health; that men’s health isn’t just about a diagnosis - like something that you either ‘have’ or ‘don’t have’ - as important as a diagnosis may be. It’s also about an ongoing approach to the way we look after ourselves. Men aren’t always so good at doing this, but when we proactively look after our own health we really do become better dads, husbands, mates, and live life to its fullest.
What tips do you have for encouraging positive mental health?
You know, people are so quick to give advice to others, but looking after your own health is so personal and so many factors come into play. What I would say though is that we need to move conversations about mental health beyond the health system and into our daily lives. We need discussions happening in sporting clubs, workplaces, our homes and over a frothy with a mate.
I’d also say learn, talk and connect. The old mind can easily get stuck in its ways, but it can also change. Educate yourself, learn what works for you and talk this over with others; then when you find what works, relentlessly train your mind so that it serves you well no matter where you are or what you encounter.
How much $ have you raised for the cause?
So far, $525.00 and counting!
And finally, do you prefer moustache or no moustache?
That’s a hard one! When I’m eating, definitely no ‘mo’, but I love the advocacy and what it stands for. Let’s go with the ‘mo’!
Movember participants don’t just have to grow a ‘mo’ to take part in the challenge. Other options like hosting an event, a trivia night or even a BBQ with friends and family can help raise much-needed funds and awareness for men’s health. The charity’s vision is to have an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health.
To learn more about the charity, visit the Movember website. If you’d like to donate to Justin’s fundraiser, please visit his profile.