Warning: This article references mental health struggles which some readers may find distressing.
Globally, one man each minute is lost to suicide, that's 60 men – fathers, brothers, partners and friends – lost each hour.[1]
This November Mater People across the state are coming together to participate in 'Movember', raising vital funds for medical research, men's health programs and innovative treatments, and stopping the stigma associated with talking about men's mental health.
Each year, Movember prompts people to look at mental health through a male lens, focusing on prevention, early intervention and health promotion, working towards a world where men take action to be mentally well, and are supported by those around them.
Motivated by the loss of his father and brother to their own health struggles, Acting Executive Director of People, Learning and Employee Experience Georges Khoury is growing a mo and clocking up some kilometres in an effort to remove the stigma associated with talking about mental health.
"I see a mental health professional on a regular basis," Mr Khoury said.
"I believe the more we talk openly about the issue, the more people will hopefully become comfortable with talking about it."
A father himself, Mr Khoury wants to create a better reality for his 5 year old son Joseph and for his 7 year old daughter Eleanor.
"I want Joseph to grow up where the norm is being able to talk about his feelings and emotions, knowing there's support in place and that we care and love him no matter what he's going through."
Mr Khoury and his supportive People, Learning and Employee Experience colleagues came together as a team, Stache and Dash for cash, lacing up and hitting the pavement together with the aim of reaching a collective 600 kilometres by the end of the month.
With 374 kilometres already ticked off and more than 8 mo's growing back in, the team are well on their way to meeting their goal of raising $5,000 by the end of the month.
To support the Stache and Dash for cash Movember team, click here.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, crisis support can be found at Lifeline: (13 11 14 and lifeline.org.au)
