Mental Health for Men

Mental Health for Men

Thousands of men are getting ready to mow down their November moustaches. Before long, the outward signs of the campaign will all but
fade away. But have we done enough to publicly discuss one of the newer educational pillars and beneficiary causes of the movement: mental health
and suicide prevention?

Incorporating mental health awareness into this global campaign was a very deliberate and noble decision. It's unfortunate that it still seems underexposed, especially since mental health has an impact
on all aspects of one's life.

If you're suffering from depression or any of the other mental health issues that plague our society, you're likely not in a state to take care of yourself or control your quality of life. In many ways, it's the mind that matters the most.

We've spent decades, if not longer, shunning the topic, which is all the more reason _to _talk about it. Yes, the conversation will be awkward. Yes, the conversation will be uncomfortable. Yet, this _uncomfortable_ conversation is one we all need to have -especially with and
among men. Mental health touches my heart. I developed an acute
eating disorder some eight years ago.

It was the toughest time of my life in many ways and the mind was at the
Centre of it.
Having bulimia came with many different problems including a perpetual fear of gaining weight and falling back to where I used to be; of losing everything for which I worked hard because I ate a cupcake or another sweet.

The mind games, with real outcomes, were emotionally and physically draining. The act of throwing up made my throat so sore it felt raw and left my stomach aching beyond belief.
While the genesis of this behaviour lay in my mind, the physical symptoms only served to impact my mind for the worse. It was a truly vicious cycle.
It took me a long time to realize the role of my mind. It was only through the mind that I was able to move my mouth to utter my first plea for help.
At the beginning, I kept my thoughts and actions secret because I felt embarrassed. Finally, two years ago, I was able to broach the topic with my wife for the first time. Looking back, I can't help but think I should have opened up sooner.
Having one conversation is where it all begins. It's the start that counts.
It's unrealistic to think I'll be able to pull someone out of a serious mental health illness through a single column or article. But I can encourage Canadians to start the conversation. Like the moustache, the conversation doesn't have to be perfect. Awkward phrases can lead to support and success in turning things around. So as you shave the moustache, be
sure to broach the topic and let the conversations grow from there.
Jiries Rabba is founder of PrOATein