Today, 1 November, the starting shot goes for this year’s “Movember” campaign. And now all men can grow a mustache with a clear conscience. The campaign will raise money for research into testicular and prostate cancer in particular, and men’s mental health. Movember Movember (a portmanteau of the words “November” and “mustache”) is an annual event where men let their mustaches grow freely during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health. The phenomenon began in Australia in 2003 and has later spread to larger parts of the world. The funds collected during Movember go to quality-assured initiatives that have a particular focus on men’s mental health, and on fighting prostate and testicular cancer. Source: Wikipedia – Men are more uncomfortable talking about mental health than women. Men talk more about superficial things, says Halgeir Våge. In 2022, the westerner was named Norwegian champion in beard. He has also participated in world championships. But behind the handsome mustache hides a heavy beard. Far down A working stay in a civil war-ravaged Libya gave him an impression that stuck with him. Anxiety, nightmares and self-medication were the result. He was eventually diagnosed with PTSD. – I could drink a bottle of alcohol in the evening if I didn’t have to go to work the next day. It was only a matter of time before things went completely wrong, he says today. A report from the Institute of Public Health shows that two out of three people who commit suicide are men. Våge got professional help before it was too late. Post-traumatic stress disorder Post-traumatic stress disorder Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a diagnosis that can happen to those who: Have been in mortal danger. Have been physically injured. Have witnessed others being in danger or dying. Have been forced to make “impossible” choices – between own safety or saving others. Have lost someone who was close to them. Psychological signs of PTSD can be: Problems with thinking about important aspects. Negative assumptions about oneself, others or the world. Reduced interest in previous activities. Forwarding. Restricted emotional life. Blames himself or others. Negative emotional state (fear, guilt, shame) Change in behaviour: Irritability/temper tantrums. Irresponsible, self-destructive behaviour. Vigilant. The splash. Concentration problem. Sleep problem. Physiological reactions to reminders. (Source: National Center for Violence and Traumatic Stress) Now he has learned the tools needed to cope with life. At the same time, he is left with the impression that there is a long way to go before men dare to open up about how they really feel. – In my generation, we are taught that we are weak if we struggle with psychological problems. But I hope the next generation will be better. And Norway is heading in the right direction, he says. Found community with men with beards In addition to professional help, Våge has also received good help in the community Skjeggmennklubben. There is a group on Facebook with over 13,000 members. Mental health is often a topic there. – Men are often told, from the little ones, that they have to stop screaming, that they have to grow up, be a man. We get to impress that it is not important to talk about feelings, says Ove Skjeggmann, vice-president of the club. He himself was having concrete suicidal thoughts when he received a note about the club, and what they could contribute. – Then I found out that it wasn’t just me who was having a hard time, he says. Life turned around, and now Skjeggmann travels around every December and spreads joy with his beard in Norwegian hospitals. Several men are making contact with the Mental Health Movember campaign started in the USA 20 years ago, and in Norway twelve years ago. Mental Health has gradually noticed an increase in the number of men contacting helplines and via chat. – Young men today are more open than young men 20 years ago. And those who were young 20 years ago have also lightened up a bit, says national manager Ole-Marius Minde Johnsen. – At the same time, there is probably a genetic fear from men in particular towards sharing how they feel mentally. National leader in Mental Health, Ole-Marius Minde Johnsen. Photo: Emilie Gjengedal Vatnøy The Council for Mental Health also believes that campaigns such as Movember have an effect, but that there is still a long way to go. – For many men, it is now easier to be open, and there is somewhat less shame and taboo associated with putting words to feelings, says general secretary Tove Gundersen. Need someone to talk to? If you need someone to talk to, you can use one of these low-threshold services: Mental Health Helpline: Call 116 123 or write to sidetmedord.no. Press 2 for parent support and press 3 for the student telephone on the same number. Mental Health Youth: Chat service at www.mhu.no on Monday to Thursday 18-21. The service is aimed at young adults (18-35 years). Kirkens SOS: Call 22 40 00 40 or write to soschat.no or meldinger.kirkens-sos.no. Cross on the neck: Call 800 333 21 or write to korspaahalsen.rodekors.no. The service is offered by the Red Cross and is for you under 18 years of age. Advice on eating disorders: See the website nettros.no. They have both a chat service and a telephone line. Acute suicide risk? Call 113 when it is urgent and your life is at stake. Call the emergency room on tel. 116117 for immediate assistance. Gambling addiction Norway: Call 4770200 or write to [email protected]. More info: https://www.spillpendending.no. Helpline: Help in connection with money or computer games. Call 800 800 40 or chat on hjevilijn.no. You can also talk to your GP.
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Grow a mustache to get men to take care of their own health – news Vestland
