November marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month and students at Fulton-Montgomery Community College laced up their hiking boots to bring awareness to the cause. Organized by Abnormal Psychology professor Dr. Paula Brown-Weinstock, her class joined Movember’s challenge, “Move for Movember.”
Movember started in 2003, raising awareness for prostate and testicular cancers, as well as men’s mental health and suicide prevention. To participate in the cause, many people grow out their mustaches as a part of “No Shave November,” donate to the organization, or in Dr. Brown-Weinstock’s and class’ situation, “making a move.”
The class went went hiking, walking, and running throughout the month of November for a total of 60 miles, symbolic of the 60 men who commit suicide every hour around the world. This hike was 4.5 miles between Nine Corner Lake and Willie Wildlife Marsh near Caroga, New York. Students then followed up by hiking Hadley Mountain on Veterans’ Day. After hiking together at least once a week, students promoted their efforts for “Move for Movember” and provided statistics regarding men’s mental health.
According to Dr. Brown Weinstock, the activities throughout November gave students a chance to both help themselves and others maintain their mental and physical health.
“It was so nice to see their ENTIRE face…and their SMILES,” she said.
Their efforts do not stop there. As a part of continuing to create awareness about Men’s Mental Health Month, this class is currently working on a display for their campus. The display, which will be located in O’Connell Hall, will share information about depression, bipolar disorder, suicide and substance use and where and/or how to get help. Information specifically to “Move for Movember” will additionally be included, promoting movement as a way to elevate mood.
For more information on “Move for Movember” and more ways to get involved during Movember, visit https://us.movember.com/?home.
