Go beyond the banter this World Suicide Prevention Day

Globally, one man dies from suicide every minute. That’s over half a million fathers, partners, brothers and friends each year. It’s one of the biggest public health challenges of our time.

As the leading charity changing the face of men’s health, Movember has a proud legacy acknowledging World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) by challenging the role everybody can play in preventing suicide. This year is no exception. We’ve re-released our WSPD film from 2016, Suicide Notes Talk Too Late, featuring seven men from around the globe sharing their own personal experiences. This powerful piece of content ignites important conversations about suicide, the complex issues that surround it and what everyone can do to address it.

Thankfully, the seven men featured as part of this film made it through. The biggest learning we can take from their experience is the importance of conversations. We know from our own research that reaching out regularly to have honest conversations with the men in our life can help to prevent them from reaching a crisis point.

“In their own words, these men demonstrate that real, authentic, social connections are a powerful way to help men who are struggling. We hope that the real stories featured in our Be a Man of More Words campaign will inspire men to connect before things reach a crisis point – whether they’re concerned about themselves or someone else,” said Brendan Maher, Global Director of Mental Health & Suicide Prevention at Movember.

We also know that, when surveyed, most men say they’d be there for their mates if they were ever asked for support – we just need to break down the awkward silences that hold us back. That’s why this year we’re asking you to be a man of more words. The campaign will encourage men to visit movember.com/suicideprevention, where they can connect with support services or get advice on how to reach out to a friend who is struggling.

A man of more words doesn’t just dial up the banter in a group chat or tag his friends in countless memes. It’s about more than that.

Regular, quality chats help us to let out some of the pressure, little by little. From talking about struggling with the kids or the bills, to the bigger stuff that happens in life – like losing a job, the breakdown of a relationship, a significant setback, or becoming a dad for the first time. You never know how powerful the right conversation at the right time could be for a man who might be finding things tough.

Even when it feels a little bit awkward, we’re asking you to reach out. Join us, and be there for your family and friends, not just on World Suicide Prevention Day but all 365 days of the year. Find the time and space to have conversations that matter. By simply sharing Be a Man of More Words, you’ll help to create a world where more men feel better supported and connected to those around them – a world where having a meaningful ‘life chat’ with your friends is a comfortable norm, not an awkward rarity.

“We’re asking everyone to be a man of more words. This means being able to admit to a friend or family member when you’re having a tough time. It could also mean reaching out to a friend who you suspect might be having a tough time – and taking the time to stop and really listen to him,” added Brendan.

To help you break-through with someone who is struggling, we’ve built Movember Conversations – an interactive tool that lets you experiment and practise questions and responses, giving you the skills and confidence to approach difficult conversations. Check it out at conversations.movember.com.

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If you, or someone you know, is feeling low, don't hesitate to reach out for support using these local support resources.

To speak with someone immediately, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

If life is in danger, call 000 or go directly to emergency services.