This week Sam McColl will shave his existing facial hair and commit to growing a mustache throughout November in an effort to create a conversation around men's mental health in Ballarat.
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The men's health crisis in regional and rural Australia is a focus for Movember this month.
Statistics show men living in regional Victoria have much higher mortality rates for both prostate cancer and suicide than men living in the Greater Melbourne region.
The male suicide rate in Ballarat is 30 per cent above the state average, according to an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report.
To ask for help and tell someone you are not feeling as strong or as good as you can be, I see that as one of the strongest things someone can do.
- Sam McColl, Movember participant
Mr McColl has experienced his own mental health struggles and was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety.
He wants to share his story to highlight the importance of talking openly about mental health struggles.
"Growing up in a rural area and coming out as gay was one of the pivotal moments... in a region where as a man you are supposed to act 'manly', be stoic and not show emotion," he said.
"That is one of the reasons why I advocate and why I participate Movember. I think it is really important especially in regional and rural areas where mental health is not talked about as much, it is seen as the elephant in the room or something men just don't talk about.
"I participate in Movember to create conversation and show and explain to people that it is fine and very healthy to talk about mental health. Making sure there is a conversation is one of the only ways to recover from mental ill health."
Statistics show six men a day take their own lives and three out of four suicides are by men.
Mr McColl said seeing a psychologist and seeking help was the turning point to improving his mental health.
"There were times where I attempted to take my own life and I felt I needed to take my own life because that was it, I thought that would help me and would relieve everything, ending it all. I guess the biggest turning point was a few years ago when I took myself to hospital," he said.
"My parents drove from Ararat to Ballarat to come and help me. We went to see a doctor, the doctor diagnosed me with severe depression and severe anxiety. From there I went on a treatment plan and a mental health plan.
"That was the turning point where I realised it was not only affecting me and my life but was affecting people around me. To put that burden on other people, it is just horrible. You don't realise you are doing that until something like that has happened or you do start talking about it with other people and they say 'I could tell, you weren't turning up to these events, you weren't your same self. It is then when you realise it is not just me this is affecting.
"From there I saw a psychologist and continue to see a psychologist at least once a month. I don't see a psychologist because I think I am unhealthy anymore. I see them just to chat. It is just like seeing a doctor for a check up, to make sure that journey continues of remaining healthy. I honestly think everyone, no matter if you have mental ill-health, should be seeing a psychologist."
Nearly 1000 people participated in Movember last year and raised more than $205,000.
Fundraising supports Movember to deliver research and support programs for men's health and well-being. Projects focus on prostate cancer, testicular cancer and suicide prevention.
RELATED COVERAGE: Men's mental health: 'Change in mindset needed'
Mr McColl said he hoped by sharing his story, other people who may be struggling could realise the power of speaking out.
"A few years ago I was at the point where nothing looked positive. I ran out of money, I didn't have a job, things just weren't working out. But since making sure I check on my own health I have an awesome job, I have heaps of friends and I do a whole heap of volunteering," he said.
"Now I think I should be able to share my message and my journey so that other people can look at that and go maybe that is what I can be doing. Most people don't look at me and say 'he is weak for doing that', they look at my story and say he is so strong and resilient.
"That is what other people should be learning, that when they share their message that they are not feeling okay or things aren't going great in their life, that they are not seen as weak. I have had a few friends in the past few years where I have asked them how they are feeling and they haven't been okay. I look at them and think to say that is one of the strongest things you can do.
"To ask for help and tell someone you are not feeling as strong or as good as you can be, I see that as one of the strongest things someone can do."
To donate or learn more, visit Movember.com
What can men do for their health?
Make Man Time: Stay connected. Spend time with mates, because social connections are a protective factor against depression, anxiety, and even suicide. Try to check in regularly
Move, more: Add more activity to your day. Take a walking meeting, take the stairs, cycle to work instead of driving, get off the train a stop or two earlier.
Know your numbers: When you turn 50, you need to have a conversation with your doctor about the pros and cons of PSA testing. If you are of African or Caribbean descent or have a family history, do it at 45.
Know Thy Nuts: Know what feels normal for you, and if something changes, starts hurting or doesn't seem right, go to the doctor. You should be checking your testicles every month or so.
Talk: It's OK to not be OK. Take action by opening up and don't put off an important conversation. Talking saves lives.
Ask: Asking is the first step in being there for the men in your life. Keep an eye on men who are going through the big life stuff, if you think someone's not doing too good, reach out to them. Remember: Ask, Listen, Encourage Action, Check in (ALEC).
If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000.
There is professional support for help. The key message is that you are not alone.
Lifeline: 13 11 14 for 24 hours/seven days a week crisis support or lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467
Mens line: 1300 789 978 or mensline.org.au
Survivors of Suicide: 0449 913 535
Relationships Australia: 1800 050 321
headspace Ballarat (for 12-25s and parent support): 5304 4777
Solider On: 1300 620 380
Ballarat Community Health: 5338 4500
QLife: 1800 184 527 (Support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex)
Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
