Only one in four Kiwi guys claim they’re the happiest and healthiest they’ve ever been, according to new research released today by the Movember Foundation. And the ‘grass is greener’ mentality seems to be in full force with 51% of our boys believing they’ll be happier and healthier in the future.
The Movember Man Files, an inaugural study in New Zealand by the Movember Foundation, takes a closer look behind the Mo to uncover attitudes and insights into men’s health across the nation – revealing what makes them tick when it comes to their health and what they do (or don’t do) about it.
Robert Dunne, New Zealand Country Manager, Movember, says the findings show men need to embrace and prioritise their health sooner rather than later.
“Our guys aren’t living in the now and their attitudes towards their current and future health and happiness reflects this. Maybe they’re waiting for New Year’s resolutions to start their health kick and set some change in motion, but there’s no time like the present to start addressing men’s health,” he says.
The research shows that only 10% of Kiwi men would take immediate action for a mental health problem, versus 22% for physical health, and they’re not always talking to real people. The all-knowing Dr Google sits just 1% behind health professionals when looking at who they turn to first for help on mental health issues.
And our staunch Kiwi males are not reaching out to other men for help with just 4% opening up to their mates about feeling low or depressed, preferring to talk about politics, money and their careers.
While men may still view talking about mental health as somewhat taboo, they approach physical health far more willingly, being 16% more likely to seek help from their GP for physical health issues than mental health issues.
“We know New Zealand men remain tight lipped when it comes to their mental wellbeing – seven times as many guys would lie to their boss about needing time off for a mental health concern versus a physical one,” says Dunne.
“Movember is all about encouraging our Kiwi lads to grow a Mo to spark a conversation and get them talking about their health. We all know that beards have enjoyed a bit of a comeback recently, with 13% of Kiwi men now donning a chin covering, but moustaches are rarer facial adornments, currently having homes on just 5% of our men. So, we are calling on guys across the country to harness the power of the mighty Mo to grab attention and ignite a conversation about men’s health.”
