Each November the charity Movember Europe raises awareness about important issues facing men’s health. One of the main features of this campaign is focussing on the challenges boys and men face in regards to their mental health.
stem4, as a charity that exists to promote positive mental health in teenagers, are very concerned by the continued ongoing rates of mental ill health amongst boys and young men. We want boys and young men to know that there is help available and to empower those who care for them in how best to support them. Due to the month of Movember focussing on male health, gender specific terms are used in this campaign to ease text flow although the content can refer to both genders. No offense through the use of gender specific terms is intended.
Talking about mental health
It’s not always easy to talk to someone about your mental health but sharing how you’re feeling with a trusted person (such as a friend, family member, teacher, or GP) can help you feel supported and less alone.
Not sure who you can talk to? Look at the helplines listed here.
If you’re struggling to talk about your mental health, see our examples of how you might start the conversation.
Talking about mental health
It’s not always easy to talk to someone about your mental health but sharing how you’re feeling with a trusted person (such as a friend, family member, teacher, or GP) can help you feel supported and less alone.
Not sure who you can talk to? Look at the helplines listed here.
If you’re struggling to talk about your mental health, see our examples of how you might start the conversation.
Download our Movember socials pack to share posts such as these:
He’s talking, but are you listening?
Whilst is important to encourage boys and young men to speak up about their mental health, it is even more important to know how to respond when they do so that they feel supported and not alone.
In order to focus on the importance of responding supportively when boys and young men speak up about their mental health, the focus of stem4’s Movember campaign this year is:
‘He’s talking, but are you listening?’
Supporting someone who is experiencing a mental health challenge is a great thing to do, but always keep in mind the fact that signposting to a suitably qualified professional will help identify what support or intervention would be the most beneficial. Take a look at our Movember resources below.
Always remember to look after your own mental health while supporting someone who is struggling. It is ok to take a break sometimes.
Includes assets for Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Be sure to follow us on social media and tag us (@stem4org) in your posts!
Click here to download the full pack for free
Includes conversation starters for boys, friends, parents/carers and top tips.
Click here to download the full pack for free
Why not try our Combined Minds app?
This clinician-developed app, is designed to help families and friends support young people with their mental health. It can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. Find out more at www.combinedminds.co.uk.
stem4’s Podcast for Parents & Carers
You may also find the following podcast episode helpful, in which Dr. Krause examines how we can engage with our boys and young men whilst building emotional tools to live happy lives.
This episode is the tenth in the second series for stem4’s podcast, Understanding Teen Minds, in which all episodes are for parents and carers of young people. To keep updated with the new episodes, be sure to subscribe on one of the platforms below.
Series 2, Episode 10 – Movember Episode! How do we get boys and young men to open up? For Parents/Carers
