The month of November is a crucial time for the Movember charity as men across the country take part in the process of growing a moustache, the two first letters cleverly merging with the letters in November to form the word Movember. Many people who have no knowledge of the event often ask ‘why do men take part in such a cause?’
The answer being that they take part to raise awareness for men’s mental health and other health issues relating to prostate cancer, testicular cancer and suicide; the entire event paying homage to the world of men’s mental health and how important it is to be aware of. The moustache represents “changing the face of men’s health”. Mental health is a crucial thing in our generation, the majority of the population suffering from anxiety or depression or other types of mental illness and there is a big encouragement to talk about your sufferings, to not suffer in silence. When it comes to the males, often times they are struck with comments of Be a man, don’t cry about it, it’s not manly to show your feelings. These comments are creating a negative stigma that needs to be brought an end to. Society needs to banish these comments and openly encourage men to come forward to talk if they need it.
SIN interviewed Ronan O’ Neill and asked him a few questions in regard to his participation in the Movember charity.
Q. Why did you choose to take part in it?
A. I’m taking part in it because as a man with mental illness, I’d like to help my fellow person however I can. I also plan to combat toxic masculinity and the stigma against mental health.
Q. Have you taken part in it before?
A. This is my first time taking part in Movember.
Q. What does it mean to you to take part in Movember?
A. My contribution may mean little in the grand scheme of things, but it’s still important to me. Illness to the mind is no less hazardous than wounds or illness to the body and people must know that.
SIN also interviewed Ryian Walsh and asked him the same questions, his response was “I took part in it because it seems like a bit of craic. The styles remind me of the 80s, it’s almost like a throwback, but for a good cause. It’s my first year taking part in this too”.
Hopefully, this inspires men to take part in the cause and to donate to the movement.
