What is Movember?

MOVEMBER, the month formerly known as November, is a time of year enjoyed by men across Australia. For four weeks, men are encouraged to throw away their razors and grow the best moustache they can. One of the wonderful things about Movember is girlfriends, wives (or mothers!) can't complain about fuzzy face because it's for a very worthy cause.

Men who are able to participate in Movember, known as 'Mo Bros', are asked to recruit sponsors who donate money to support them growing the mo'. These donations will help improve the health of men around the country through research projects and men's health programs.

This year, The Movember Foundation has again partnered with beyondblue: the national depression initiative, along with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA). Funds raised during Movember will help beyondblue increase awareness of depression in men and encourage men to talk about depression and seek treatment.

Last year, beyondblue and PCFA received between them $12.7 million thanks to the efforts of Mo Bros and the women who support them - known as 'Mo Sistas'.

This year, beyondblue will use Movember funds to:

• continue vital research into the link between men's cancers (testicular and prostate) and depression
• fund the beyondblue information line - a national mental health information and referral service 1300 22 4636
• support the Don't beat about the bush! campaign which raises awareness of depression and related disorders in rural communities
• fund the Men's Sheds and Indigenous Men's Sheds projects - spaces where men can spend time together and learn how to look after their own health.

Last Movember, chairman of beyondblue, The Hon. Jeff Kennett, grew a moustache for Movember. He said the cause was too important to ignore. "While I might not have achieved greatness with my moustache growing efforts, I signed up because Movember is a unique event that reaches young men in particular, throughout the country," Mr Kennett said.
"It also gives beyondblue the opportunity to increase awareness of depression and educate men who otherwise, we might not reach.
"Given that one in six men will experience depression in their adult lifetime, we must use every avenue to promote our message and encourage people to seek professional help. It's not a weakness to be ill and it's certainly not a weakness to seek help."


Why should I support Movember?

Depression and prostate cancer are extremely serious conditions affecting hundreds of thousands of men in Australia.

On average, one in six men will experience depression at some time in their lives and less than half seek help. If left untreated, depression is a risk factor for suicide.

Depression is more than just a low mood - it can be a serious illness that requires attention. Seeking help early is a good first step. With the right treatment, most people recover from depression. Unfortunately, men are still often reluctant to seek help for themselves. Much of the work beyondblue does helps people understand what depression is and how to get themselves or a mate treatment before the condition gets worse.

Each year in Australia, close to 3000 men die of prostate cancer - equal to the number of women who die from breast cancer annually. Around 18,700 new cases are diagnosed in Australian every year.

Research carried out by beyondblue over the past few years has shown a strong link between cancer and depression.

Men with prostate cancer report higher levels of depression than the general community however, the rate of depression and anxiety in their partners is even greater - more than double the normal rate for the Australian community.

More research is urgently needed in this area.


How do I get involved?

It is easy to register for Movember. Log on to www.movember.com and click on 'Register' or call 1300 4769 66. You can register either as a team captain and recruit other men to join you in your moustache-growing quest, or sign up as a team member, or you can go it alone. After you register, The Movember Foundation will send you everything you need to start fundraising. You can grow any kind of moustache that tickles your fancy - the only rule is that you have to start clean-shaven on November 1. Friends, family, work colleagues, bosses, employees, wives, daughters, sons and partners - anyone - can all support your moustache growing efforts.

To find out more about Movember, or to register, go to www.movember.com or call 1300 4769 66 (local call cost from a landline).

For more information about depression, anxiety and related drug and alcohol problems visit www.beyondblue.org.au or call the beyondblue info line on
1300 22 4636 (local call from a landline).