Suicide rates are at a 10-year high with the Australian Bureau of Statistics reporting that 2,864 lives were lost to suicide during 2014. Of this number, 2,160 were male.

On a global scale, the World Health Organisation estimates that 510,000 men die from suicide each year – or one per minute.

With numbers this high, we have to ask – why are so many men taking their own lives?

Many of the behaviours exhibited by these men are linked to traditional gender roles and views of masculinity that cause men to be reluctant to discuss and take action before their health reaches crisis point.

Movember – a gendered approach

You’re probably aware of Movember – the global charity that encourages men to “Grow a Mo, save a Bro” by raising awareness and funds to stop men dying too young.

Movember aims to tackle men’s health through a gendered approach by acknowledging that men and women face different health challenges. By looking at the issues through a gendered lens, Movember is able to identify and invest in programs that are likely to make a real difference to men’s health.

What does it mean to be a man?

Put simply, masculinity can be defined as the way men are brought up to behave and the roles, attributes and behaviours that society expects of them.

Behaviours are linked to aspects of traditional masculinity and the idea that men should appear strong and tolerating to life’s hardships at all times. When we allow these negative attitudes to become the norm for all men, they feel there is only one way for them to be ‘manly’ and this is where toxic masculinity enters the equation.

How does this effect men’s mental health?  

Traditional notions of masculinity often categorise it as a weakness if a man were to acknowledge that he has a health problem, and that it is not ok to talk about it or take action.

For this reason, men are often leaving it until crisis point to seek assistance for their mental health issues and are more likely to engage in risky behaviours that may be harmful in the long run.

What can you do to ensure more men don’t lose their battle?

The goal of Movember is to create an everlasting impact on men’s health through behaviour change. If growing a Mo is not your thing, there are other ways to tackle the issues and take control of your health.

1. Share what you’re going through

Part of reducing the stigma of men’s mental health, is encouraging men to open up and talk about what they’re going through.

Everyone experiences tough battles and we need to get comfortable discussing them. Whether you’ve lost your job, experienced a bad breakup or are dealing with an enormous volume of work stress, it’s ok to talk about it.

2. See people and spend time doing the things you enjoy

Our relationships contribute significantly to our mental health and are a valuable way to enhance wellbeing and stay healthy during times of stress.

You may not feel like it, but pushing yourself to see friends or family and engaging in activities that you normally enjoy can make a significant difference.

3. Reach out for assistance

If you notice that you’re not feeling 100%, are isolating yourself from friends and family, or are experiencing an unusual level of irritability to name a few, it may be time to reach out for assistance.

Good overall health is strongly linked to better mental health and it reduces the overall likelihood of suicide.

It’s also important to check in with people who you know are experiencing a tough time to see if they’re doing ok, and be prepared to listen.

One in two men will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life. Together we can ensure that these men are not constrained by toxic masculinity and no longer feel the need walk their journey alone.

It’s time to #stampoutthestigma – will you grow a Mo this Movember?