Every November, moustaches start popping up on faces at work, at the rink and in group chats. It's a fun tradition, but behind it is a serious message: men's health matters, and that includes mental health. Movember 2026 is a good reminder to check in on the men in your life, and on yourself. This guide covers why check-ins matter, the signs one might be due, how to start the conversation, what to say and what to do if he tells you he's not okay.
This post is general information. If you're worried about someone's safety right now, skip to the section on what to do if he's not okay.
Movember 2026: more than the moustache
Movember is a global men's health movement best known for its November moustache challenge. The campaign focuses on men's health across several areas, including mental health and suicide prevention, as well as prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
You don't need to grow a moustache to take part in the spirit of the month. A simple, honest check-in with a friend, brother, partner, dad or coworker can be one of the most meaningful things you do this November.
Why a simple check-in matters
Many men find it hard to talk about how they're feeling. They may have learned early on to keep things to themselves, push through or handle problems alone. The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes that men are less likely than women to have received mental health treatment in the past year.
The stakes can be high. The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that men account for 3 out of every 4 suicides in Canada. Every day, almost 10 men take their life, amounting to 3,560 deaths per year.
Those numbers are hard to read. They're also a reminder that reaching out matters. Our post on why men avoid therapy explores some of the barriers that keep men from getting support.
Signs a check-in is due
Men and women can experience many of the same mental health conditions, but NIMH notes that they may experience different symptoms. Some common symptoms NIMH lists include anger, irritability or aggressiveness, noticeable changes in mood, energy or appetite, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, and increased worry or feeling stressed.
In everyday life, you might notice that he:
Has pulled away from friends, family or activities he used to enjoy.
Seems short-tempered, irritable or on edge.
Is drinking more than usual.
Is working all the time, or seems checked out at work.
Is sleeping much more or much less.
Makes jokes about not being around, or about everyone being better off without him.
Is going through a big change, such as a breakup, job loss, new baby, illness or loss.
You don't need to be sure something is wrong. If your gut says check in, check in.
How to start
The setting can make a big difference. Many men find it easier to talk side by side rather than face to face.
Do something together. A walk, a drive, fishing, shooting hoops or grabbing a coffee can take the pressure off.
Pick a private, relaxed moment. Avoid starting the conversation in front of others or in the middle of a stressful day.
Keep it simple. "Hey, how are you really doing?" is enough.
Be patient. He might brush it off the first time. Let him know the door is open, and try again later.
A text can work too, especially for someone who opens up more easily in writing. "Been thinking about you. How are things, honestly?" can go a long way.
What to say, and what to skip
You don't need perfect words. Being there and listening matters more than having answers.
Things that can help:
"I've noticed you seem a bit off lately. Want to talk about it?"
"No pressure, but I'm here if you want to talk."
"That sounds really tough."
"Thanks for telling me."
"What would help right now?"
Things to skip:
"Man up" or "Just get over it."
"Others have it worse."
Jumping straight to advice or fixing.
Turning the conversation to your own problems.
Lecturing about what he should do.
Let silences happen. Sometimes the most important things come out after a pause.
If he says he is not okay
If he opens up about feeling low, stressed or hopeless, thank him for trusting you. Listen without judging, and take what he says seriously.
If you're worried he might be thinking about suicide, it's okay to ask directly. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) advises asking if someone is having thoughts of suicide, and notes that you don't need to be afraid you'll put the idea in their head. It may be a relief for them to talk about it. Our post on how to talk about suicide safely offers more guidance.
If he's in crisis, help him get support right away:
Call or text 9-8-8, the Suicide Crisis Helpline, any time, day or night.
If he's in immediate danger, call 911.
If you live in Waterloo Region, you can also call Here 24/7 at 1-844-437-3247.
Find more options on our crisis lines page.
Stay with him if you can, and don't promise to keep thoughts of suicide a secret. Getting help is the most caring thing you can do.
If he's struggling but not in crisis, you can gently encourage him to talk to a professional, and offer to help him take the first step.
Keep checking in
One conversation is a great start, but support works best when it continues. A few ways to follow up:
Send a quick message a few days later. "Been thinking about our chat. How are you doing?"
Make plans. Regular time together, like a weekly walk or game night, gives him easy chances to talk.
Notice small steps. If he books an appointment or opens up to someone else, let him know you're proud of him.
Don't make every conversation about his mental health. Being a normal friend matters too.
Checking in isn't a one-time event in November. It's something you can keep doing all year.
Check in on yourself, too
If you're a man reading this, the same questions apply to you. Take a moment to ask yourself:
How have I really been feeling lately?
Am I sleeping, eating and drinking the way I want to?
Have I been pulling away from people?
Am I more irritable or stressed than usual?
Who could I talk to if things got harder?
There's no score here. If some of these hit close to home, that's a sign it may be worth talking to someone. Reaching out isn't weakness. It takes strength to say "I could use some help."
Making counselling feel normal
For many men, the hardest part of counselling is the first call. It can help to know what to expect. Counselling is a confidential conversation with a trained professional, focused on what you want to work on. You can talk about stress, anger, relationships, low mood, work, grief or anything else that's weighing on you.
You can meet with us in person in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and Ottawa, or online from home, which some men find easier to start with. You can also ask our team about seeing a male therapist if that would help you feel more comfortable.
Cost and billing
Here's what to know about cost:
Sessions with our therapists range from $130 to $200, depending on the clinician.
Depending on your plan, insurance may cover some or all of the cost. Coverage varies, so it's worth checking your plan.
We direct bill many insurers, even for sessions with a registered psychotherapist (qualifying).
Your first step
This Movember, make a check-in part of your month. And if you're the one who needs support, book a free 15-minute consultation with our admin team. They can answer your questions and help you find a therapist who fits.
One conversation can change a lot.