November marks Men’s Health Awareness Month, and with the strife that many of us have encountered this year, awareness around men’s health seems all the more urgent. Mental and physical health is important—regardless if gender norms tell men otherwise. Read more for mental health resources, for ways to expand your knowledge on masculinity and men’s health, and for opportunities to raise awareness around important causes affecting men.
The second film from TRP founder Jennifer Siebel Newsom (Miss Representation, The Great American Lie), The Mask You Live In calls into question the gender norms we impose on boys and men that prevent them from living healthy, fulfilling lives. Heartfelt and educational, the documentary is a perfect tool to learn more about how to overcome these gender barriers placed on young men. Common Sense Media’s S. Jhoanna Robledo says,“Newsom takes on a tough subject with confidence, which makes Mask incredibly effective and moving… what makes The Mask You Live In so effective are the candid, heartfelt stories that the interviewed boys and men share about their lives, as well as the sheer number of them.” Rent the film HERE on Amazon Video or host your own community or corporate screening.
Movember is here—the month where men have an excuse to grow out their facial hair and support causes that often go overlooked. If clean shaven is more your style, thankfully the organization behind the celebrated month offers several ways to get involved, raise money, and grow awareness around men’s suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.
Founded by the subject of The Mask You Live In Ashanti Branch, Ever Forward is “A mentor-led, year-long youth-development and mentoring program for young men in grades six through twelve.” Ever Forward offers an array of opportunities for young boys to develop without emotional restraints—ranging from workshops that encourage boys to take off the “mask” that society expects them to wear to clubs that provide a safe environment for young men to be themselves.
It’s safe to say that 2020 has been a difficult year for many of us. With suicide rates among men on the rise, HeadsUpGuys provides resources that could potentially be lifesaving. The website debunks myths about depression in men, offers a comprehensive action plan for those in need, and gives practical tips for those battling with depression.
Take Action! Check out this list of resources and share with those who need it!
