Our Message This Movember
‘Tis that time again where the bold don a magical fluffy upper lip for Movember. For us November isn’t just about moustaches and raising awareness of prostate cancer — it’s about men’s health as a whole.
Movember reminds us to check in on our physical health — things like prostate and testicular health — but it’s also about something just as important: our mental wellbeing.
As a practitioner it’s pretty standard to expect to see patients for the usual suspects: back pain, neck pain, headaches and migraines but its important to remember there’s a bi product of seeing us that occurs whether you realise it or not. It’s simple and powerful: We’re here to listen.
More than just a fix
It’s easy to see a clinic visit as, “I’ve got this pain — fix it, and I’ll get back to work.”
And yes, that’s part of what we do. But often, during that same conversation, we hear what’s really going on behind the pain — the stress at work, the worries about family, the sleepless nights, or the “something” that’s been on your mind but hard to say out loud.
I hope no matter who you are you would always feel comfortable to discuss anything that you’re concerned about, especially if it’s contributing to your drop in health.
If Men Are Good at Talking About…
Let’s be honest — most of us men have no problem talking about:
- Whether VAR is ruining the game even though it works in rugby.
- The opportunities you had to make it big if it wasn’t for an injury.
- The stupid stuff that you did on any/most drunken nights out.
- The ‘correct’ way to smoke a brisket on the BBQ.
- How to fix a leaky tap (while secretly Googling how to fix a leaky tap).
- Or how many miles to the gallon you’re getting out of your motor
We’ll talk about that crap for hours… but when it comes to how we’re really doing — how we’re feeling, what’s worrying us, or when something doesn’t feel right — the conversation can dry up.
And that’s exactly what needs to change.
Why men often don’t talk (and why we should)
Research shows that men are less likely to be diagnosed with depression, but three times more likely to die by suicide than women in the UK. That took a turn didn’t it! It hits hard, its shocking and it can be avoidable.
Is it because of the belief that “real men” should be tough, independent, and not show emotion?
A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that men who strongly identify with traditional masculine norms — self-reliance, emotional control, stoicism — are significantly less likely to seek help, even when they recognise that something is wrong.
The fear of appearing weak or “less of a man” can stop men from asking for help, even when they know they need it.
But in truth, being open about what you’re going through doesn’t make you less of a man — it makes you stronger.
Vulnerability is strength
Being vulnerable takes courage. It takes strength to say, “I’m struggling,” or “I’m worried.”
At Active Health Clinics, we believe vulnerability isn’t a weakness — it’s an act of responsibility. It’s how we look after ourselves, so that we can be there for others.
So whether you come in for a sports massage, a chiropractic adjustment, or a rehab session, it’s okay to bring up what’s on your mind. No matter how big or how small it seems, we’re here to hear you. We may not necessarily have the scope to manage the treatment of your concern but we’d certainly be able to direct you and support you in the right direction.
A few facts worth knowing
- Around 12.5% of men in England are living with a mental health disorder — and that’s only the reported cases.
- Men who open up and seek help report feeling more in control, less isolated, and better connected within weeks.
- Talking to a health professional — even during a routine appointment — can be a crucial first step to getting the right support.
Physical health, mental health — they’re linked
We often see that when men delay talking about worries or concerns, it’s not just mental health that suffers.
Prostate issues, chronic pain, stress-related headaches — these are all things that can go unnoticed or untreated simply because we don’t bring them up.
Movember is the perfect reminder to get checked, ask questions, and speak up — whether that’s about physical symptoms or how you’re feeling inside.
Because the sooner we talk, the sooner we act.
Here’s our message this Movember:
- It’s okay to talk.
- It’s okay to ask questions.
- It’s okay to not have all the answers.
At Active Health Clinics, our doors are open not just for your body, but for your wellbeing as a whole.
If you’ve been feeling off, worrying about symptoms, or just not quite yourself — say it.
We’ll listen, and we’ll help however we can.Because we’re not just here to treat you.
We’re here to hear you.
