The key to getting through this crisis is to stay connected

In the last couple of weeks, our daily lives have changed in ways that until recently would have been unimaginable.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health, social and economic crisis of a truly unprecedented scale and everyone is affected in some way.

While physical distancing is now our best hope to slow the spread of the virus and ensure our healthcare systems can cope, this ‘new normal’ way of living will take some time to get used to.

It will be some time before some of the long-term effects of the current crisis emerge. However, what we do know is the combination of enforced social isolation and economic uncertainty represents a particular threat to male mental health.

Men rely heavily on their work to give them a sense of achievement and self worth but now huge numbers are facing unemployment and/or financial hardship.

In addition, the things men typically rely on to connect with each other – such as watching sports or catching up over a drink, have been temporarily suspended.

A crucial part of Movember’s mission is to raise awareness of the crisis in men’s mental health and the fact that three out of four people who take their own lives each year are male.

Impacts on emotional wellbeing can be strongly influenced by unemployment, social isolation, financial distress and relationship breakdown. Many of these factors are already here or, are on the horizon, for huge numbers of men.

The key to getting through this crisis lies in strengthening our social connections. That means using technology to stay connected with our loved ones and checking in on anyone who we suspect might be struggling.

Our teams are geared up for working remotely and we’re ready to take on the challenge. Over the coming weeks, Movember will be sharing practical tools and advice designed to help us all look after our mental health and provide some guidance on how to support others around us.

This isn’t the time for a stiff upper lip, it’s a time to rally together and support each other. Let’s all take care and look out for each other.

We’ll get through this.