59% of men were worried about a male friend’s mental health in the past year, Movember research shows

New research has found that 59 precent of men admitted being concerned about a male friend’s mental health in the last year. Worryingly, the same men don’t know how to check in on their mates.

Almost a third of men in the survey taken for Pringles' new report in consultation with Movember said they would be unlikely to speak to their male friend about their mental wellbeing.

To raise awareness about the latest research, Pringles and Movember have activated clean art installations across Dublin's streets to open up conversations relating to male mental health.

Stephens Green, Dawson Street and Temple Bar have been clean art, among other busy streets, to raise awareness of the simple questions men can use to start conversations around mental health.

With more than 25 pieces of clean art scattered across the capital, Pringles is hoping the eyes-down graphics will help people look up and reach out to a friend, colleague or family member.

What’s more, all of the clean art features conversation starters around mental health, such as 'How are you coping with everything?' or 'How are you feeling on a scale of 1-10?’.

The questions were chosen in consultation with Movember and draw on the Movember Conversations tool - a free interactive digital tool developed by an international team of mental health experts. The initiative guides the user through how to start a difficult conversation and support someone struggling.

78 percent of men admitted barriers such as not knowing the right questions to ask would prevent them starting a conversation with a male friend who they were concerned about. 31 percent conceded that fear of saying the wrong thing prevents them from starting a conversation at all.

Pringles has donated over €290,000 to Movember across Europe this year to support its important initiatives which aim to increase early detection, diagnosis and effective treatments of men’s mental health problems, and ultimately reduce the number of preventable deaths.

“Movember is an incredible cause and the work it does to support men all over the world is second to none," Neil Rogers brand manager from Pringles Ireland said. "We hope that the clean art we’ve developed with the charity grabs the attention of the British public and helps them start those difficult, but important conversations about wellbeing.”

“It’s really great to have Pringles and its moustachioed mascot on board for another year to help men live happier, healthier and longer lives," Jack O'Connor, country manager for Movember Ireland added.

"It’s with the support of brands such as Pringles that we can ultimately provide men with much needed support through our mental health initiatives. We hope that through our clean art with Pringles, we’ll help give men the confidence they need to check in with their friends.”

As the leading charity changing the face of men’s health on a global scale, Movember continues to prioritise and invest in mental health and suicide prevention, alongside focussing on prostate and testicular cancer.

To join Movember Ireland's campaign, visit ie.movember.com.

Photo credit: Andres Poveda