“Grow some balls”*, “man up”, “don’t be a pussy”.
Unfortunately common phrases today that we’ve all used, been told, or overhead. 
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that 75% of men in a 2019 survey said they were reluctant, or would flat out refuse, to share their mental health struggles with employers or coworkers.
In 2013, researchers from the Department of Justice Canada admitted that while those willing to participate in studies are so low, they still found that 12% of all sexual assault victims are in fact men. Major factors for not coming forward are stigma, shame, fear, and having their sexuality questioned.
The Canadian Mental Health Association reported back in June 2025 that, on average, 4000 Canadians die by suicide every year (meaning roughly 11 deaths a day).
Around 75% of these are men.
History decided that the ultimate man is one that provides, wins, conquers. Fights, high “body counts”, pickup trucks,…and stoic. Staying silent, through it all.
It’s this silence that mounts until it reaches the tragic statistics like the ones above.
Wearing those tank tops unbelievably called “wife-beaters”, being embarrassed to purchase tampons, and growing mustaches…
But the role of the mustache has changed.
In 2003 Australia, a group of self-proclaimed ‘Mo-Bros’ grew the first mustaches of what would later turn into a global movement. Initially the facial hair was meant to draw attention and inspire conversation of prostate and testicular cancers. It quickly turned into an all encompassing ‘stache to include raising awareness for men’s and boys’ mental health.
Movember Canada has been raising roughly 3 million dollars a year since 2011 for mental and physical health programs geared towards all demographics of men. The only organization that raised more was the Government of Canada.
MoCanada have also officially asked the federal government to, among others:
- “Adopt call to action #22 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in health services to: “recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with
Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested by Aboriginal patients.” - Match fund over five years of Movember’s investment of $20.98
million CAD in Indigenous Men’s Health. - Introduce public health policies focused on reducing men’s health risks, including
gambling, substance use, distressed and disrupted intimate partner relationship, and gender-based violence.
So awareness is spreading. Changes are being made. The mustaches are growing. 
Umbrella is introducing our first Men’s Support Group. It’s been a long time coming, but we’re so excited to finally have this support in our roster. There is no one way to be a man, let’s talk about it. 
Take care,
Umbrella
Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Assault: Their Experiences
“Psychology Works” Fact Sheet: Mental Health and the Workplace – Canadian Psychological Association
The Real Face of Men’s Health Report 2025 – English Canada.pdf