Over half of Irish adults (56%) believe that men in Ireland need greater support to manage their health and wellbeing.
Stigma around seeking help (34%) and an inability to ask for help (23%) were identified as major barriers to men addressing health concerns, while worryingly, two in five feel men’s mental health is deteriorating, according to Movember, the leading charity working to change the face of men’s health.
Launching its annual nationwide campaign, Movember is calling on people across the country to raise vital funds to support men’s health initiatives, highlighting that men’s health is not just a men’s issue but a societal one impacting families, friends, and the wider community that support them.
Drawing on findings from its landmark ‘Real Face of Men’s Health’ report which explores the attitudes and experiences shaping men’s health and wellbeing in Ireland today, it reveals that the cost of living (42%) and limited support for mental health (25%) were cited as the biggest pressures facing men. Globally, a man dies by suicide every minute and in Ireland, four out of every five deaths by suicide are male.
This is a national crisis that disproportionately affects younger, working-aged men. The findings from the report also indicate clear concerns for young men with half of Irish adults (50%) believing young men are becoming increasingly isolated, whilst 62% say they struggle to find purpose.
Technology was cited by 35% of Irish adults as among the reasons it is more difficult for men to establish meaningful social connections while 70% of Irish adults believe greater efforts need to be made to tackle the epidemic of loneliness which is impacting men in Ireland, with the country already ranked as the loneliest in the EU.
Prostate and testicular cancer awareness and early intervention remains central to the work of Movember. Through research, strategic partnerships and education the charity aims to support men achieve more positive health outcomes through earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Grow a moustache. Raise funds. Save lives. Sign up now at Movember.com/support-us
