Take care of your mind, take care of your body, take care of your soul. This photo series provides an opportunity to not only strut your stache but also share your message while you engage in introspective and healthy dialogue around men’s mental and physical health.
A massive thank you to everyone who got involved in this years photo series, including series sponsor Aden Camera, who helped out with the film developing and processing services for this photo series!
This year saw a tremendous turnout; read their messages below.
Talking about your own health can feel personal and uncomfortable.
AARON DUTRA
Why do you participate in Movember?
I participate to remind myself and others of the physical and mental challenges we face as men. Masculinity is such a complicated thing, it’s important for us to re-define what it means to be a man as well as how we open up to each other about those challenges.
How has mental & physical health played a role in your life?
It’s been something that comes and goes throughout my life and it is only now that I’m starting to confront these things in pursuit of a happier and consistent life, when it comes to my mental and physical health.
What is a message you’d like to share?
So much that we’re taught about being a man is about being strong, but the strongest thing you can do is ask for help.
PETER WIDDRINGTON
Why do you participate in Movember?
It’s a great way to participate in something that I feel should be talked about. Plus it’s a great reason to keep my moustache!
How has mental & physical health played a role in your life?
It’s been a process, trying to figure out how mental health has played a role in my life. Over the years I’ve learned to be more comfortable with accepting that mental health is a part of me that I need to focus on. Before, I feel like I never really thought that mental health was something I needed to take care of. I had this idea that people who needed to focus on their mental health, had problems that I didn’t have. This sort of suppression eventually became too much, but I’m happy with where I’ve gotten to this point.
What is a message you’d like to share?
It’s okay to not feel comfortable, for any reason. Just know that you can always take action to make positive change in your life. Also make sure you keep your friends close.
MATT COLLINS
Why do you participate in Movember?
Movember is a fantastic way to remind yourself and the men around you the importance of self-care as well as being a way to start conversations that may not be had otherwise. I’m glad that something as simple as an out-of-place moustache can lead to something bigger than that. I may not have the capability, but I’m happy to support the friends that can!
How has mental & physical health played a role in your life?
Therapy and mindfulness helped bring me out of a serious low point following a diagnosis of anxiety disorder. Despite my adamant focus on on improving my mental well-being, being neglectful of my physical health did my mental health no favours. A balanced focus on physical and mental health may not single-handedly solve everything, but can be fantastic tools in a wellness plan.
What is a message you’d like to share?
Don’t be scared of vulnerability! Being able to create an environment where those around you don’t have to think twice about sharing something scary is so vital. Being a man doesn’t mean being the most macho person in the room, being a man means you can be a rock for those around you, while still being able to rely on those around you.
MATT LEVIN-GOULD
“Know that you’re not alone going through shit. Everyone has something and don’t be afraid to reach out for help.”
JUAN MORALES
Why do you participate in Movember?
Mental health has always been an important thing in my life - through my own experiences and the experiences of the other people in my community. The way Movember creates conversation and an open & safe space for men to discuss what they’re going through is something that we all need to experience and take advantage of, especially these days as we grow older and have new life experiences.
How has mental & physical health played a role in your life?
Mental health has been very prevalent in my life since my early days as a young adult. From my own struggles with mental, to seeing one of my closest friends suffering in silence, it’s a factor in how I carry myself on a day to day basis, and also how I approach others and create safe energy and spaces for others to speak up.
I’ve unfortunately known a few people to have taken their own life due to MH struggles, and so my goal is to always be open and to give other men someone to talk to when they need it.
What is a message you’d like to share?
Don’t feel like you need to internalize and keep all these negative emotions to yourself - as patronizing as it may seem, actually opening up and being vulnerable will go a long way in terms of taking a step in the right direction.
”Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light.”
JACK HARRISON
Why do you participate in Movember?
As a year round ‘stacher, I bring my big burly facial hair around to help bring up the average gurth value. I want my thick moustache tied to my big smile to remind people that despite hard, sad times, we can all have bursts of happiness <3
How has mental & physical health played a role in your life?
My parents are the source of my value towards both mental and physical health. My Mother is a therapist and has treated all of our minds with great care and warmth. As for my Father, everyone in his life has passed away from various illnesses including cancer. Whenever I need a stark reminder of my mortality, I think of my Dad.
What is a message you’d like to share?
Say “I love you” to your friends, to your mother, to your father. Whether they’re here or gone, say it!
BEN RAMOS-SALSBERG
Why do you participate in Movember?
I participate in Movember because it is always important to continue the conversation surrounding men’s health. If I can help more people speak out and continue the dialogue, I should.
How has mental & physical health played a role in your life?
While mental health has always been something I deeply care about, the conversation became more serious to me when there was a suicide in my close family. I had been so close to that kind of incident and it frightened me. Seeing my family deal with something so devastating made me want to reach out and do everything I could to make sure no one close to me ever feels alone again.
What is a message you’d like to share?
Take care of yourself by any means. You are not the only one who feels the way you do. If you need someone to talk to, then reach out. If you’re concerned about your physical health, talk to someone that may be able to help. So many people care about you and want you to live a life without fear.
RUSS GRAHAM
Why do you participate in Movember?
I participate in Movember because I enjoy growing a moustache but more importantly I participate to help raise awareness for men’s mental health. It’s something we are beginning to discuss more as a society but many men still feel afraid to speak out. The more we can normalize men talking about their mental health, the better off we will all be.
How has mental & physical health played a role in your life?
My mental health has gotten a lot better since graduating university. The pressure and stress of the workload completely affected my mood for dats or weeks at a time. Since then, I’ve been able to work in an industry I enjoy and my mental health has improved. I also see a direct co-relation between my physical and mental health. When I start lettering my physical health slip, the more it effects how I act around my family and friends.
What is a message you’d like to share?
The best advice I can give to everyone, as well as myself is to talk about how you’re feeling. I don’t do it enough and I know what bottling up emotions can do to you. Talk with your friends, talk to your family, talk to a therapist. Don’t be afraid to speak out because there are people out there who care about you and will listen to what you have to say.
AARON HAMILTON
Why do you participate in Movember?
To raise awareness to the silent stigma.
What is a message you’d like to share?
Continue to communicate with each other and those around you. Being honest with yourself is the first step towards a healthy life. Eat well and exercise.
ALEX CALLAGHAN
Why do you participate in Movember?
To raise awareness, encourage men to educate themselves, and reach out when they need someone.
How has mental & physical health played a role in your life?
I’ve learned a lot about myself, but more about the struggles that many people experience every day.
What is a message you’d like to share?
Never be afraid to reach out when you need someone to talk to; never feel alone in your struggle!
NATE GRAVELLE
Why do you participate in Movember?
Rocking a dirty lip sweater starts difficult conversations around men’s health and raises funds for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
How has mental & physical health played a role in your life?
Men don’t visit the doctor or talk about their issues nearly enough. Don’t suffer alone / in silence. Sharing your thoughts and feelings lifts weight off your chest, helps you feel seen, and allows others to provide you with support.
What is a message you’d like to share?
Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you - doesn’t mean you can, should, or need to do it alone.
MAX NEASE
Why do you participate in Movember?
For all those who can’t participate, for all those who have participated, and for all those who will participate.
How has mental & physical health played a role in your life?
I began the year in a dark place, I sat there in silence, and it only got worse. The moment I confronted and addressed the myriad of strange, new emotions I was feeling was the moment I started healing. Seek help for yourself and those around you.
What is a message you’d like to share?
You are exactly where you are supposed to be, to become the man you will be.
DREW DOHERTY
Why do you participate in Movember?
It is great to support two causes I truly believe in, cancer prevention and men’s mental health. I know two men personally affected by prostate cancer this year so this initiative is near and dear for me.
What is a message you’d like to share?
Check in on your boys!
MITCH OVER
Why do you participate in Movember?
To show my support for the men going through things some may never understand. Mental health issues are at an all-time high and I will do what I can to help support.
How has mental & physical health played a role in your life?
Mental health has impacted me in many ways. Whether it be me or a friend / family member, it has become a goal of mine to prioritize mental health.
What is a message you’d like to share?
Speak Up. Don’t suffer in silence. You are not alone.
MATT VOCINO
Why do you participate in Movember?
I’ve participated in Movember the last few years, as I’ve seen too many men around my age struggle with their mental health because they are afraid to ask for help.
What is a message you’d like to share?
It’s okay to not be okay. Talk to someone and let them know how you’re feeling. As men we need to learn to have open and honest conversations with our bros.
TOM BENNETT
Why do you participate in Movember?
To spread awareness of issues affecting men and to show that we are there for each other. We just have to be open and remove the stigma around mental and physical health.
What is a message you’d like to share?
Don’t be afraid to show emotion. Speak up when you need help - you are not alone!
MIKE COWLEY
Why do you participate in Movember?
I participate in Movember to ignite conversation and reflection, using the campaign as an opportunity to remind myself and others that we need to take care of ourselves. I hope by shooting and sharing these photos and messages I can reach a larger audience spark dialogue and thought, I am very fortunate to have people around me willing to open up and share for the potential benefit of others.
How has mental & physical health played a role in your life?
I was always the type to ignore my physical health and play through injury, chalking it up to competitiveness, but I have learned that that is just ego and sometimes you need to put your ego aside for the betterment of your physical or mental well-being. Finding that balance has been something I’ve been focused on during the past few years as I try to push myself into ‘career-hood’ and grow as a person, healthily.
What is a message you’d like to share?
Take the time to appreciate the things in life that make you happy, even if nobody else around cares; enjoy what you love.. and if there’s time, follow the sun home.
This year myself and those involved in the photo series will be joining forces with participant Daniel Jelic in raising funds for the Movember campaign! Daniel was a major fundraiser last year, and hopes to surpass his $5,000 goal, click the donation link at the top of the page to help make that happen!
See Daniel’s and the other photo series participants’ words of wisdom below!