What is Movember?

Some people might think that Movember, or “No Shave November,” is just about men growing out their mustaches, but there is actually a lot more to it than that. Movember is meant to raise awareness for a variety of men’s health issues that are often overlooked, with one of the most important being mental health. Since many of these mental health issues such as depression and anxiety arise while in college, we thought it was important to share with our readers different ways to check in on your own mental health as well as those around you this November.

Don’t be afraid to get help

Worldwide, men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women. Psychologists suspect that this is due to men being less likely to open up about mental health issues due to the stigma around mental illnesses. Although it has been said many times, we want to reiterate that it is okay to get help if you feel that your mental health is on the decline, and next we’ll share many different resources if you aren’t sure where to start.

Explore your options

When it comes to seeking help for your mental health, everyone is different in which methods work best for them. Some prefer a typical, in-person therapy session, while others may prefer to stay anonymous. A good place to start is by researching your university’s resources, as many offer free counseling sessions (you pay for them with your tuition, so you might as well get your money’s worth!). If your university does not offer mental health resources, another option that is popular among college students is BetterHelp—a website and app that connects you virtually to a therapist through phone calls, video calls, or even texts. All In for Health has also compiled a great list of men’s mental health resources: https://allinforhealth.info/resources/mental-health-resources-for-men/

Put mental health over school

School work and the stress that comes with it is one of the common culprits of mental health issues in college. You are already adjusting to a new place, meeting new people, and becoming more independent, so piling tons of school work on top of that can just become too much to handle. If you find yourself struggling with your mental health (and believe school might be playing a role in it) don’t be afraid to take a step back. Giving yourself a few days away from school to focus on yourself will allow you time to work on your own issues and re-enter your ‘school mode’ with a clear head.

Check in on your friends

Since many men are not as transparent about their mental health, it can be easy for them to appear as though everything is okay on the outside. Even your happiest friends can be the ones silently struggling, so you should never assume the state of someone else's mental health. Checking in could be something as simple as a text conversation to see how they are doing, or a quick hang out to catch up with each other; you would be surprised how much these small gestures can make a difference. You might even try sharing the state of your own mental health or struggles with them as a way to show that it is a safe place for them to open up if they wish to do so—but remember you should never force someone to share personal issues if it makes them uncomfortable.

We hope that you have a great Movember, and take time to really think about what it means. Check on yourself, check on your loved ones, and remember that help is always available.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

800-273-8255