Barking Space

We have reached the halfway point for Movember. It has definitely been an interesting month – and it has given me a lot to think about!

I have written before that my original reason for supporting the Movember initiative, was prostate cancer awareness. A friend of mine was diagnosed with it – and over the course of the years, a few more folks with similar afflictions made themselves known (either directly or through other friends). Testicular cancer awareness and men’s mental health awareness became a part of the overall initiative.

At the beginning of this month, I had my gallbladder removed – in order to prevent the possible introduction of cancer into my system (it sounds worse than it is). It’s a simple enough procedure that comes with a few lifestyle changes and a decent recovery time. At the end of the day, it’s not the most horrible thing – but there is a stepwise recovery methodology that feels too slow for me.

On my recovery walks, I began to think of the boys and men who deal with far worse ailments and the mental baggage that comes with it. The concept of “manliness” is a strange social construct – it is a double-edged sword. That same set of “guidelines” that emphasizes strength and toughness eclipses the healthy act of being vulnerable – which really makes it difficult for men to share issues related to their physical and mental health.

COVID-19 and other similar world-shaping events add layers of complications to this. Certainly the effects are felt across all walks of life and lifestyle choices – but the effect on men is surprisingly severe (globally, on average, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day).

I haven’t wavered in my quest to ensure that people are doing all right. Where others post “trendy” status updates on Social Media, I opt for the personal approach (which is actually similar to the way that I fundraise – electronically “door-to-door” as it were). While tremendously useful, Social Media creates a virtual morass that makes it hard for folks who are on the edge to reach out.

And so, here we are – and here I am – doing this year after year as a way to help men find the help that they need. Whether it’s for new treatments for prostate/testicular cancer, or for programs to help stem the tide of suicide and self harm, the best way that you can help is to either donate, forward my link, or do both.

I get that money can be tight. I have always tried to set a reasonable goal, and I’m always happy when I reach it. And in my fundraising process, I get to say hi to so many people that I haven’t chatted with in a while – which is a happy byproduct of all of this.

For those who have supported me – I thank you so very much. I honestly believe that this makes a difference.

https://ca.movember.com/mospace/372848

#Movember​ ​ #MovemberFoundation​ ​ #MentalHealth​ 

PS: Apologies for the “substandard” photo. I shall endeavor to up my game before the end of the month.

Filed under: Announcements, Interactive, Interest, Movember | Tagged: Men's Mental Health, Mental Health, Movember, Movember Foundation, Prostate Cancer, testicular cancer |