The Importance of Opening Up: Andrew Newman's Story

When I was in college my father took his own life. His suicide was unexpected by all that knew him. My father, Matthew, was a happy-go-lucky guy who always knew how to light up a room.

From that moment on, mental health and suicide have had an immense impact on my life. Unfortunately, it’s a topic that many men are afraid to talk about. We don't want to seem weak or “non-manly.” Here’s the thing – we all go through tough times and it is okay to not be okay, but we need to talk about it.

Seven years later, after a weekend of enjoying my favorite holiday, Halloween, I walked into my office still sporting a moustache. I had dressed up as a number of famous and notorious characters who were renowned for their moustaches. My good friend came up to me and said, “Newman, love the Mo and appreciate the support for the Movember.” I quickly asked, “What’s Movember?” 

As he was explaining Movember’s mission, I suddenly realized I had found what I was looking for – a way to help men beat the taboo topic of mental health.

I wasn’t on a quest to find my passion on that post-Halloween Monday, but I’m so thankful I did. I’m now dedicated to changing the face of men’s health by fighting the stigma around speaking up. Since getting involved with Movember, and with the support of family, friends, and colleagues, my Movember Team has raised over $130,000 through countless activities and conversations. In 2020, I joined the Movember Ambassador Program and was asked to speak on the local media in New York where I told my story and shared why I participate.  It’s okay to not be okay. Know that before you do something drastic, there are people in your life who care about you deeply. Reach out to friends, family or a therapist. Start the conversation, it will change your life.

Checkout more resources here for starting an important conversation.

Andrew was featured as our Mo of the Month for May 2021. Mo of the Month highlights some of our epic Movember supporters and stories of why they Mo. If you want to share your Movember story, please send us a note to info.us@movember.com and tell us why you Mo.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, or needs emotional support we urge you to head to movember.com/getsupport for crisis support options. To speak with someone immediately, contact your local 24-hour support service.