Men’s Mental Health — Movember 2025
Grow awareness. Spark conversations. Save lives.
Scroll to Explore ↓Disclaimer & Welcome
This page is for education and awareness only and does not replace professional advice. If you’re in crisis or worried about safety, please contact local emergency services or a trusted helpline.
Movember shines a light on men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and overall wellbeing. Small, consistent conversations can make a big difference.
What • Why • Purpose
| Section | Summary |
|---|---|
| What | Men’s mental health focuses on emotional wellbeing, stress, depression and anxiety, relationships, and connected physical health (sleep, movement, substance use). |
| Why | Stigma and pressure to “tough it out” can delay help-seeking. Normalising support saves lives and strengthens families, friendships, and workplaces. |
| Purpose | Encourage early help-seeking, everyday check-ins, and access to practical support. Small, consistent conversations matter. |
Stigma & Stereotypes — Let’s change the story
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| “Real men don’t cry.” | Emotions are human; naming them helps. |
| “Men don’t talk about feelings.” | Men can and do — in safe, supportive spaces. |
| “Depression is rare in men.” | Men are often underdiagnosed — not immune. |
| “Help is for later.” | Early support is practical and preventative. |
Supporting a Partner with a Mental Illness
Do
- Use open, specific invites: “Want to take a short walk together?”
- Offer choices: talk, sit quietly, or a simple task side-by-side.
- Help with basics: meals, reminders, appointments.
- Agree on a simple safety plan and check-in signal.
Avoid
- Minimising (“You’ll be fine”).
- Fix-it mode before listening.
- Ultimatums around disclosure.
If you’re the supporter
- Set gentle boundaries and rest breaks.
- Ask for backup from trusted people or a clinician.
- Keep emergency contacts easily accessible.
What to Say — and Not to Say — to Your Partner
| Situation | Instead of saying… | Try saying… | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| They seem withdrawn | “What’s wrong with you?” | “I’ve noticed you’ve been quiet — want to talk?” | Invites without pressure. |
| Strong emotions show | “Man up.” | “It’s okay to feel this way — I’m here.” | Validates emotions. |
| Feeling hopeless | “Just be positive.” | “That sounds really hard. How can I support you today?” | Builds empathy & safety. |
| Avoiding help | “You’re overreacting.” | “It might help to talk to someone who understands.” | Encourages support. |
| They open up | “It’s not a big deal.” | “Thanks for sharing — I appreciate your honesty.” | Reinforces trust. |
Language Matters: The Power of Words
Our words can reduce stigma and invite empathy.
| Instead of saying… | Try saying… | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| “He’s weak.” | “He’s having a hard time.” | Removes shame & judgement. |
| “He went crazy.” | “He’s struggling with his mental health.” | Encourages compassion. |
| “He’s lazy.” | “He may be feeling unmotivated or depressed.” | Normalises symptoms. |
| “He needs to toughen up.” | “It’s okay to ask for help.” | Makes help-seeking safe. |
| “Real men don’t cry.” | “Emotions are human; I’m listening.” | Validates experience. |
“Changing our words changes our world.” 💬
Signs to Look Out For
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or hobbies
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
- Increased alcohol or substance use
- Persistent irritability, anger, or low mood
- Hopelessness, feeling like a burden
- Risk-taking or “nothing to lose” talk
- Physical complaints without clear cause
- Fixation on death or giving away possessions
- Missing work or major performance decline
- Any gut-feeling that “something’s off”
If suicide risk is present: seek immediate help via your local emergency number or a crisis line below.
Movember Timeline — Simple Touchpoints
| Date | Touchpoint | Idea |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Nov | Shave Down | Start clean; share your “before” photo and why you’re taking part. |
| Mid-Nov | Check-In Week | Text three mates: “How’s your week on a scale of 1–10?” |
| Final Week | Move for Movember | Walk/run/ride 60 km for the 60 men lost to suicide each hour, worldwide (symbolic challenge). |
| 30 Nov | Wrap & Thanks | Post gratitude, share helplines, and note one habit you’ll keep. |
Downloadable Fact Sheet
Keep this handy for quick reminders, language tips, and conversation starters.
Grounding • 5-4-3-2-1
Notice 5 things you see • 4 feel • 3 hear • 2 smell • 1 taste. Slow, even breathing.
Self-Care Ideas
- 10-minute walk + water
- Message a mate; book a catch-up
- Limit alcohol for a week and review mood/sleep
- Book a health check if overdue
Movember Journal Prompt
Prompt: “What does strength mean to you today?”
Optional: jot down one small action you’ll take this week (text a mate, book a GP, take a walk).
Print or save this prompt:
Global Helplines & Emergency Contacts
| Region | Helpline | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | Lifeline NZ | 0800 543 354 • 1737 (Need to Talk?) |
| Australia | Lifeline Australia | 13 11 14 |
| United Kingdom | Samaritans | 116 123 • SHOUT text 85258 |
| United States | Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | 988 • Text/Chat 988 |
| Canada | Talk Suicide Canada | 1-833-456-4566 • Text 45645 |
| Global | Find a Helpline | findahelpline.com |