Why the Movember movement is celebrated each year and why it matters on campus
Movember is gaining popularity each year, but it is much more than a month of mustaches. It is a global movement and charity event that raises awareness and funds for men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. The name comes from a combination of “mustache” and “November,” and participants show support by growing a mustache, walking or running 60 kilometres, hosting events, or creating their own challenges.
These actions support programs focused on cancer research, early intervention, and improving men’s mental health. Beneath the fun and photos, Movember highlights something serious: many men struggle with their mental health and it can be hard to notice or talk about. In a bustling university setting, where stresses and changes are part of everyday life, it becomes important to be mindful and attentive when people show signs of struggling.
People often show symptoms of stress or depression in ways that are easy to overlook. Instead of clearly saying that they feel sad or overwhelmed, the signs tend to appear in everyday habits. A student might start staying up too late or sleeping through classes. Someone who usually engages in conversation may grow quiet or withdrawn. Little things begin to shift. A friend might stop joining group activities, skip meals, or seem tired all the time. Another person might become impatient more easily or seem frustrated by things that never used to bother them. These changes can happen slowly, and sometimes they only become clear when you pause to reflect on these new patterns of behaviour.
Mental health concerns can also show up physically. Frequent headaches, stomach issues, unexplained aches, or a general feeling of heaviness can all reflect emotional strain. Some men will push through these symptoms and them to stress. Others may simply say they are tired or not feeling like themselves. When emotional discomfort is expressed physically, it becomes even easier to miss.
If you notice a friend withdrawing or acting differently, a check-in can make a difference. The ALEC method, which stands for Ask, Listen, Encourage Action, and Check In, offers a simple way to start these conversations with care. This does not need to be a serious or formal talk. It can begin with something as easy as asking how their week has been, or mentioning that they seem quieter than usual. Often, people open up more easily when they feel someone has genuinely noticed them. Even if they are not ready to talk in depth, your presence shows that they are not alone.
Movember also highlights how these signs of struggling may affect men subtlety, so it becomes a priority to check in on your friends when they seem to be having a rainy day. Movember encourages people to slow down enough to pay attention. It also highlights how common it is to feel overwhelmed during challenging periods and how normal it is to need support.
On campus, there are professionals who can help when life becomes more burdensome than usual. Counselling, social work support, and wellness services exist for students who need someone to talk to, or who want guidance with managing stress, organization, or other difficult emotions and experiences. These services are confidential, approachable, and designed for students who may not know where to begin. Sometimes a single conversation can provide clarity. Other times, ongoing support helps students regain balance. To book these services, please visit the Mt.AWellness Centre website. https://mtawellnesscentre.janeapp.com/
Movember creates an opportunity to pay more attention to the men in our lives and to our own wellbeing. Recognizing early signs, checking in with friends, and knowing that support exists, can help prevent small challenges from becoming overwhelming ones. The mustaches may disappear at the end of the month, but the reminder to look out for one another remains just as important throughout the year.