Too often the strong, silent man is silent only because he does not know what to say, and is reputed strong only because he has remained silent. – Winston Churchill.
For some men the need to appear strong and silent overrides the need to talk about what’s troubling them. Let’s face it, it’s easier to discuss the latest cricket scores than have a conversation about testicular cancer, prostate cancer, mental health problems or suicide. These “taboo” topics strike fear into the hearts and minds of many males, and the last thing they want to do is have a good chat about such sensitive matters over a pint.
This means that many men are suffering needlessly. By putting off asking for help they are not getting the treatment that could potentially save their life. That might sound extreme, but national figures indicate approximately six men take their lives in Australia every day, one in eight men will experience depression and one in five men will experience anxiety.
Add to this that around 850 men (often age between 25-40) are diagnosed with testicular cancer annually – which accounts for approximately 1% of all cancers in men. This percentage might sound low, but if you were that 1 of the 850 men wouldn’t you prefer swift diagnosis and treatment? Similarly, men who suffer from anxiety or experience suicidal thoughts desperately need help, but sadly, for many, there’s still a stigma attached to seeking it.
Men’s health and wellbeing needs to take centre stage. Men need to feel comfortable enough to talk about worrying symptoms and feel able to open up about their feelings. It’s a hard thing to do, but over the years a number of high-profile male celebrities have done just that.
Wrestler and actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, grime artist Stormzy, and Olympic gold swimmer Ian Thorpe have much in common. All three have achieved amazing success and wealth, and yet all three have battled crippling depression. Hollywood actors Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller have both fought prostate cancer, and are quick to promote the virtues of regular screening.
Channel 7 reporter and presenter Chris Reason is vocal in his warnings to never miss a health check, after he himself did just that whilst busy covering the 9/11 attacks. Subsequently he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and acknowledges the delay could have proved fatal.
Whilst this is a positive step towards shining a light on men’s health and well-being, there’s an argument that more needs to be done. There are so many men experiencing difficulties – going through a rough patch and feeling as though they have nowhere to turn, and that’s why we want to do something about it.
You Are Invited to A Special Event
Here at Gatehouse Legal Recruitment we’re working with Alifery Freelance Experts and ST ALi to support The Movember Foundation – the leading charity tackling prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
We will be hosting a live auction charity event on Monday 25th November from 6pm – 9pm at Mercedes me Store Melbourne, 525 Collins Street, VIC 3000 to raise much needed funds. We would love to see you there, but if you can’t attend in person you’ll be pleased to know that you can still donate to this worthwhile cause.
It’s time to shine a light of men’s health and well-being. It’s time to break-down the stigma associated with sharing concerns and seeking help. It’s time we recognised that being silent doesn’t equate to being strong. It’s time for men to find their voice and be unafraid to use it. It’s time for us all to support Movember.