Best for your bloke: IT'S TIME TO GET MO'TIVATED

Start the conversation and encourage the wonderful men in your life to lead happier, healthier and longer lives

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If you've spied more men than usual sporting - moustaches this month, you're not alone! "Movember" sees many Kiwi men start the month clean-shaven and spend November growing their moustaches for charity. The campaign raises awareness and funds for men's health issues, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health, encourages men to have open conversations about their health and to seek medical help when needed. Read on to get informed, then encourage the men in your life to do the same!

Mental health

The statistics for men's mental health are sobering. Three out of four people who die by suicide in New Zealand are men, while globally, on average, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day. Signs that someone could be in distress might include not sleeping, eating less or more than usual, forgetting grooming (no clean clothes, or not showering or brushing teeth), avoiding social situations, being more irritable than usual, increased hopelessness, or more. If you find someone is out of character, it is important to check in with them - it could save their life.

HOW TO CHECK IN WITH A FRIEND

Non-profit suicide prevention organisation RU OK? developed the model ALEC for navigating conversations with friends, colleagues or loved ones who might be struggling.

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