Men’s health NGO Movember has urged men to open up as a new study finds that 60% of men never, or very rarely, speak about their mental illness or wellbeing.

Shame, not knowing whom to reach out to and inability to express these feelings through words ranked as the top three reasons given for the lack of emotional communication.

The situation is made all the more concerning considering that three-quarters of suicides in Ireland are male or male-identifying.

The research carried out by the charity also showed that most men saw a decline in their mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact was more heavily felt in the younger age range, with over 63 per cent of men aged 18-24 stating that the global pandemic had affected their mental health. Men aged 35-44 followed close behind, with 62% having observed a decline in their well-being.

Another alarming finding by researchers was that nearly half (47 per cent) of males aged 18-34 had either never or very rarely examined for symptoms of testicular cancer. This form of cancer is the most common cancer among young men.

Nearly four out of every ten men aged 18-34 doesn’t know how to properly self-examine, a figure which climbs up to 47 per cent when considering all age groups.

"We have to keep working hard to change the narrative around men’s health, both physical and mental," Movember Irish Country Director, Jack O’Connor explains. "The statistics are alarming and the perception that, because you are a man, you must simply tough it out, is not acceptable or appropriate."

"It is important that men, both young and old, realise that they can and must reach out, and we must do everything to normalise the conversation around our emotional well-being. Similarly, so with both testicular and prostate cancer- men must take responsibility for their health in this area but so too demand from health care professionals the proper guidance and advice on how to follow regular care plans and to be mindful of this."

Movember is one of the leading men's health charities that focuses on mental health and suicide prevention, as well as testicular cancer and prostate cancer. The organisation raises funds to deliver breakthrough research and support programs that enable men to live happier, healthier and longer lives.

It all starts with three simple actions: check in on a mate, try to open up the conversation about mental health and, most importantly, check in with yourself.

Join Movember's 2021 campaign or donate to the cause on their website.