Movember, the month the nation steps up to support MENtal healthcare and wellbeing

November is placed uniquely to address the mental health crisis for men throughout the UK and on a global scale. International Men’s Day is also celebrated every year on 19 November.

November is prominent globally to draw attention to a number of prevalent health conditions affecting men such as Prostate Cancer, Testicular Cancer, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. Men across the world grow a moustache to create awareness and raise money for mental health charities. In 2020, £74.8m was raised across 20 countries to support key charities.

Lack of awareness of health issues, a long-standing fear of openly discussing mental health, reluctance to take action lead to statistics that show men are 3.1 x more likely to die by suicide in England than women, with 3 out of 4 suicides committed by men.

We want to join all the great efforts made to step up for men and stress the importance of addressing better mental health and wellbeing for men and helping them improve their mental health.

OneWellness Clubs recommends:

  • Regular exercise to be and stay fit

Fitness and movement combined improve mental health and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression of those suffering from poor mental health. People that have taken up exercise say it has helped lift their mood and feel a sense of purpose and achievement. Fitness and wellbeing are different for everyone, but the benefits and positive outcomes of physical activity such as walking, badminton, swimming or attending a fitness class are the same. The body releases feel-good endorphins and produces happy chemicals, and exercise helps you cope healthily with every day challenges whilst taking your mind off simple worries. You also gain more confidence and have the opportunity for more social interaction. 

Megan Brooks, Studio Coordinator and Lead Instructor at OneWellness highlighted her own experience as a Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach,” I have found that men who find a way to exercise that they enjoy see it have a positive impact across all aspects of their daily life. Feeling stronger improves their self-esteem and also enables them to build bonds and relationships with those who they train with”. 

“Both in my personal and professional experience I have seen that exercise and movement helps men in times of difficulty tremendously, and they continue to attribute their good mental health to a regular workout routine, and sense of community at their gyms or workout groups” 

Early case studies concluded that, at least for some, moderate-intensity exercise should be beneficial for depression and result in a happier mood. Research also suggests that the benefits of exercise involvement may be long lasting. 

For example, running has been compared with psychotherapy in the treatment of depression, with results indicating that running is just as effective as psychotherapy in alleviating symptoms of depression.

  • Ask for help and listening advice

Talk more with the people around you, and don’t suffer in silence. There are support services available throughout local communities and a growing focus on NHS Wellbeing Advisors providing non-judgmental advice and a safe space for anyone who needs to talk and be listened to. 

Help and support are available if you need it or are worried about someone else. Helplines are available 24 hours a day, every day. 

  • Regular GP checks

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with more than 47,500 men diagnosed with prostate cancer every year – 129 men every day. At the age of 50, it is most recommended to talk to your doctor about prostate cancer and whether it’s right to have a PSA test.

Cancer of the testicle is less common and unusual than other cancers because it affects younger men, mostly between 15 and 49 years of age. Nevertheless, around 2,300 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year in the UK.

It is essential to have regular checks and know the numbers and facts regarding Prostate cancer and Testicular Cancer.

But we’re here for you too!

OneWellness Clubs offers a safe and relaxing space for people who want to engage their body and mind for the duration of their class and leave feeling refreshed and stronger both physically and mentally. We offer relaxation classes such as Yoga, core building classes such as Pilates and cardiovascular classes such as HIIT and Gentle Fit, all aimed to improve your mental and physical health. In addition, our dedicated team of expert coaches are here to support our members and new visitors support their wellbeing journey. Contact us today to book your first class for free!