We have officially reached the halfway point of November, and also the halfway point of the Movember 2023 campaign. It has been an amazing month full of generosity and support. It makes me keep wanting to do this every year.
Last year, at this time, I wrote about how losing my job affected me(LINK). I mentioned my first emotional breakdown and mentioned the various ups and downs during the time leading up to the article.
Now, at that time, the plan was to attain gainful employment before the end of the year – however, that was not how things worked out. While I had some leads at that time, they all seemed to fizzle out in the new year. Time and time again, over the months that followed the turning of the calendar, promising moments led to disappointing ends.
It certainly took a toll.
Our society is very focused on appearances and what’s new and exciting. I spoke with a good friend who also lost his job and he talked about striking while the iron was hot to meet with as many people as possible and tell his story – before the page turned and people forgot. It got me thinking about how true it is – the impermanence of support.
Now, I’m not trying to sound pessimistic, but it’s an unfortunate truth. Support tends to diminish when one doesn’t advocate on their own behalf – but then, speaking out too much or too often also brings its own set of problems.
I had a number of low points over the last year – even with a supportive partner and close friends. People who pledged support at the beginning didn’t always deliver on their promises – and it takes a toll on one’s spirit. It’s hard to resolve when the same people who give you endless compliments about how great you are never reach out to check on you or deliver on the things they promised.
To be clear, I’m not trying to make anyone feel bad – but I do want to remind everyone reading this that it’s important to look after each other. We don’t hesitate to remind others that “it could be worse” and that “there is always someone struggling far more” – but we should also be kind, and keep in mind that whatever struggles anyone is having mean a lot to them.
I am happily employed now – and I am very much enjoying the experience and the people that I am working with. I also learned a lot about mental fortitude and trying my best to remain positive through not-so-good times by focusing on the good things in my life.
Sadly, not everyone gets that chance. Many men don’t have the ability to speak out due to stigmas that exist.
Movember does some wonderful work in this department. One of the great tools that they share is a method called ALEC.
- Ask
- Listen
- Encourage Action
- Check In
This process helps with reaching out and helping someone who may tell you that they are “fine” – but they’re really not. You can read more about it here.
You may roll your eyes at the idea of reaching out to men to check in on them, but…
- Globally, two in every three deaths by suicide are by men.
- Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men over 45.
- Globally, testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men.
To that end, Movember has made a huge impact over the last 20 years.
- Since 2006, they have funded the development of 54 inventions, 70 therapies and 107 diagnostic tests for prostate cancer.
- Their community-led mental health projects have changed and saved lives.
- There have been 1250+ men’s health projects across 23 countries.
I am very proud that Movember exists and that I can be a part of it – and I am very thankful to everyone that donates money, good vibes and support.
Click here to donate: https://ca.movember.com/mospace/372848/
I’ll see you at the finish line!
A big special thanks to my friend Julien for this photo. You can visit his donation page here.
Filed under: Friends, Interactive, Interest, Movember | Tagged: ALEC, Friends, Mental Health, Movember, Movember 2023, Movember Canada, Movember Foundation, Prostate Cancer, testicular cancer |
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