Movember: More Than a Mustache

Honoring Men’s Mental Health in November

At NewPath, we believe that mental health is health. Together we can break the silence, end the stigmas, and build a culture where men feel safe to seek help and thrive.

Focus on Men’s Mental Health This November

November marks Men’s Health Month, a time to spotlight the unique health challenges men face, especially mental health, which is often overlooked. While Movember may be best known for its mustache-growing campaigns, the movement has evolved into a global call to action for men’s mental well-being, suicide prevention, and emotional resilience.

The Mental Health Crisis Among Men

Mental health remains a critical public health issue in the United States, affecting nearly 59.3 million adults—about 23.1% of the population.

• 18.1% of U.S. men experience some form of mental illness.
• Over 6 million men suffer from depression annually, but many go undiagnosed.
• Men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women.
• Among those diagnosed with schizophrenia by age 30, 90% are men.
• Only 61.3% of men with serious mental illness receive treatment, compared to 67.6% of women.

Even though men suffer from mental health conditions at significant rates, they are far less likely to seek help.

Why Men Don’t Seek Help?

Cultural norms and societal expectations often discourage men from expressing vulnerability. Phrases like “man up” or “tough it out” perpetuate the myth that emotional expression is a weakness. This stigma leads many men to suppress their feelings, avoid therapy, and suffer in silence.

In fact, 40% of men report never having spoken to anyone about their mental health, despite 77% experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress.

What Can You Do?

Raising awareness is just the beginning. Here are practical ways to support men’s mental health this month.

1. Start the conversation: Ask the men in your life, “How are you really?” and listen without judgment.
2. Encourage professional help: Therapy is a strength, not a weakness.
3. Promote healthy habits: Exercise, sleep, and social connection are proven to boost mental health.
4. Challenge stigma: Replace harmful phrases with empathy and understanding.
5. Support community efforts: Participate in Movember events, donate to mental health organizations, or share resources.

NewPath is here to help

Even though the focus of the Movember movement is on Men’s health, healthy adult lifestyles begin in adolescence. NewPath ignites hope and changes futures by providing expert, specialized, and comprehensive trauma-informed care. Services include behavioral and mental health treatment, specialized education, independent living, and foster care placement. Headquartered on Reading Road in Cincinnati, NewPath operates four facilities across three counties, serving nearly 3,000 children and families in the tristate area.