Health, happiness and facial hair: How growing a mo can spark an important convo

Men across the country have sported new facial hairstyles this month for Movember, but by ditching their razors, participants are prompting more than just a few funny looks, with the campaign aimed at starting important conversations and saving lives.

For the past 13 years the start of November has marked a massive transformation for Mark Kelly as he shaves off his hard-earned beard and starts afresh.

The shocking change was sparked by his own mental health journey more than a decade ago, when he not only discovered the impact these illnesses can have but also the lack of knowledge and awareness around seeking help.

“I got into it because when I was 20 years old, I experienced depression for basically the first time in my life and after about a year of struggling, I was encouraged by my mum to go to therapy and it really changed my life,” Mark said.

“When I was told to go to a GP and go to therapy, I didn’t even really know it was an option that you could go to a GP for mental health reasons.”

Making the decision and taking the steps to get treatment were game changers for the Illawarra tradie.

“For me it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders; at that stage it was important to get some third-party, non-biased advice from a professional about what I was going through, so I know it wasn’t someone just telling me something that I may have wanted to hear.”

And while Mark found a professional who he had a connection with straight away, he urged people who may not have found someone suitable immediately not to give up.

“I know that’s not the case in a lot of situations, because it is someone you’re going to bare your life to and if you’re not vibing with them it’s going to be far more difficult,” he said.

“I say to those people, keep at it, you may not get it on the first time but keep trying.”

Mark has raised more than $155,000 for Movember throughout the years which goes towards supporting treatments for men’s mental health, prostate cancer and testicular cancer, and he has found new ways to catch the attention of the community.

“I’ve done a few different things; I’ve done music videos, I’ve run raffles, I’ve organised trivia nights. Last year I did a black-tie gala. I’ve done running challenges; so for me it’s a bit of a mixed bag,” he said.

“It started small and it kind of snowballed. So the first couple of years it was just some links on Facebook and some donations from Mum and Dad, but I linked up with a group of friends in Shellharbour and it became a bit of a sport between friends and a creative way to raise funds.”

But he said it’s about more than money; it’s about starting conversations.

“Being open and honest with your mental health with your friends, especially for men, is one of the most important things you can do.

“Society for so long has portrayed the message of ‘suck it up and get it done’ and as you can see by the fact that men die young and suicide rates in males are higher, that is clearly not something that is working.”

As much as the people around Mark have supported him, he is now also able to be that person for others.

“Being able to have a network of people around you, whether it be your spouse or your parents or your friends or your siblings, having that network that you feel comfortable to talk to when times are tough, or even when times are great, is hugely important,” he said.

“Since being public and honest about my own mental health struggles, I’ve had friends come to me and explain their own situations; some are very similar to my own and others are very different and just being someone that they can talk to really comfortably has been really special.”

And he said by taking the leap to get help, there’s a ripple effect which benefits others in your life.

“In my situation, yes I went through a pretty severe bout of depression but what I didn’t realise until probably a couple of years later was the effect it has on the people around you.

“When you are in those moments of ill mental health or any other kind of health issue, the sooner you address those things the sooner you can alleviate worry in those people around you.”

To find out more or to donate visit Mark’s Movember fundraising page.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact:
Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au
MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978.