Be a man of more words.

"How many times have you asked a mate how they are going, only to hear the words, “I'm fine” even though you know in your gut that they aren’t fine at all?
 
And how many of those times have you let slip the opportunity to find out what’s really going on - either because you don’t know what to say or awkwardness sets in, or because it’s easier to slip into banter.
 
But it’s vital that we try and get past that initial awkwardness and start having those deeper, more meaningful conversations because for men who are struggling, those chats can be lifesaving.
 
Every minute, somewhere in the world, a man dies by suicide. That equates to over 510,000 men in the last 12 months alone.
 
Suicide is a very complex problem and there is no single reason for why anyone decides to take their own life. It confounds simple solutions because everyone is influenced by factors unique to them.
 
But we do know that men are disproportionately affected because three out of four suicides are men.
 
Risk factors that increase someone’s vulnerability to suicide include acute stress, low mood and social isolation along with the belief that they shouldn’t talk openly about how they are feeling.
 
That’s why Movember has released Suicide Notes Talk Too Late , a powerful film featuring the stories of seven men who reached that crisis point.
 
Thankfully, through opening up to loved ones, friends and colleagues these men managed to steer their way through their challenges.
 
So today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, even if it feels a bit awkward at first, we’re asking you to be a man of more words and find the time to have conversations about the things that really matter.
 
Whether you’re struggling to manage children’s behaviour, coping with the breakdown of a relationship or worried about losing your job, regular, quality chats help us to let out some of the pressure.
 
You never know how important that connection could be for someone who is finding things tough."

- Michelle Terry, CEO of Movember
 
To make things a bit easier, we’ve built Movember Conversations – an interactive tool that lets you practise asking open questions and responses, giving you the skills and confidence to approach difficult conversations. Check it out at conversations.movember.com
 
Visit movember.com/suicideprevention, to connect with support services or get advice on how to reach out to a friend who is struggling.