Until 2003, the month of November has had the significance of any other month in the year. In 2003 however, this month marked the start of a movement referred to as “Movember” that aims to address multiple aspects of men’s health, including mental health and suicide prevention.

Mental health has been historically overlooked in comparison to physical health, however men’s mental health has particularly been stigmatised by different societies. What is “growth mentality,” and when does it become toxic positivity? How can you, as a male identifying student, embrace your emotional journey rather than dismissing it? And how can society do better in helping you do so? 

All of these previous questions and more are addressed in my interview with Micheal Sa’d, the manager of the graduate student wellness services and counselling supervisor at the Student Counselling, Health and Wellbeing at York University. As a male identifying counsellor, Micheal offers different personal and professional perspectives on Men’s Mental Health. 

Resources:

• Student Counselling, Health and Well-being https://students.yorku.ca/counselling
• Graduate Wellness & Counselling at the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) 
• Student Success and Wellness Counselling at Osgoode
• York University Psychology Clinic is a community mental health and training centre associated with the Department of Psychology 
• Counselling Services Afterhours- keep.meSAFE, Good2Talk 
• The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education  
• CISS has traditional counselling services as well
• https://ca.movember.com/about/foundation