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"We all have that friend who we’re worried about. It might be someone who has lost their job in recent weeks or the guy who’s struggling with the boredom and isolation of social distancing. Or the dad who is grappling with working from home while looking after kids.
We also know that what we should do is pick up the phone and give him a call to find out how he is doing.
But in the midst of a crisis, when we’ve got our own struggles to contend with or we fear saying the wrong thing, it’s easy to keep putting off that tricky call.
We often assume that if people don’t reach out, it means they’re fine or that they won’t want to talk about it.
However new research from Movember has revealed that this couldn’t be further from the truth. According to our new report Bridging The Distance, eight out of 10 men say they do find it helpful when someone asks if they’re having a tough time.
Our global survey of 5,737 people from Australia, the US, Canada and the UK, also found that nearly a quarter of men (23 per cent) also reported their mental health had worsened, compared with before the outbreak of COVID-19 and almost a third (30 per cent) admitted they felt lonely more often.
The key to getting through this crisis lies in strengthening our social connections and checking in on anyone who we suspect might be having a hard time.
But we also know these conversations can often feel uncomfortable or awkward. That’s why we’ve launched Movember Conversations, a free interactive digital tool that offers practical guidance on how to start a difficult conversation.
Guided by an international team of mental health experts, Movember Conversations uses simulated conversations to explore different scenarios. It demonstrates that changing the way you respond can lead to deeper conversations. You can’t fix someone else’s problems but you can be a listening ear and that can make all the difference.
We hope this tool will give everyone the practical skills and confidence to be able to support someone who might be struggling. Because we know that talking saves lives."
- Michelle Terry, CEO at Movember
If you're feeling low or overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out for support using these local support resources.
