6th November 2023
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Zac Meeten, a third year student at the University of Liverpool is running 15km a day in honour of Movember!
November, or ‘Movember’ as it’s more commonly known, is a month dedicated to raising awareness for men’s mental health. With suicide being the leading cause of death in men under fifty in the United Kingdom, the topic of men’s mental health is more widespread and important than ever.
Every November, organisations, sports teams and individuals embark on challenges and fundraisers to financially support mental health charities. Raising awareness can take different forms, some decide to host running events and sports games whilst others grow out their beards to raise money. But its main aim is to change the stigma around mental health to ensure that men feel comfortable speaking up about how they feel.
Zac, a Criminology student has taken on the staggering challenge of running 462km this month for Movember. With each km representing the average number of men that pass away from suicide every month in the United Kingdom.
His fundraising has been nothing short of inspirational. Every day this month he has ran a gruelling 15km and has smashed his goal of £500 with five days to go, he is now at £700!
I interviewed him to find out how he is getting on.
What does men’s mental health mean for you?
“Men’s mental health is such a big thing, especially in sports like football teams and rugby teams. Men are expected to be macho.”
Zac spoke to me about the importance of mental health within sports, having made lots of great friendships in his football team.
“I think it’s important that men are good friends to each other and can create an environment where they can talk to each other.”
Having sadly lost one of his childhood friends to suicide in 2024, Zac stressed the importance of speaking up especially for those who might not appear to be struggling.
“He had one of the brightest personalities… it was so shocking to everyone because he was the last person you would expect to be struggling.”
How do you think we can change the narrative of mental health
“You’re not a burden for opening up to anyone”
“People need the tools to become better friends. Instead of briefly asking how someone is and quickly moving on, we need to create settings where people feel comfortable”
“Even if it takes a while for them, or yourself maybe to feel comfortable opening up, at least they know that people are there.”
How have you stayed motivated on your runs?
“It’s been physically very hard.”
“Everyone has been very supportive. I have had so many messages of encouragement from my friends. It’s been nice running past people because they’ve been cheering me on!”
“My girlfriend has been on a run with me which was nice. The other day I ran with my friend and in that time we spoke about our own mental health and ways in which we can be better friends.”
“The number has kept me going. I’m not just running 462 kilometres because it is a nice number. It’s because that’s how many men kill themselves a month.”
“It helps me put the physical aspect of it into perspective. It is really motivating when you’re running to think that you’re running each kilometre for someone.”
What would you like to see in the future?
“I’d like to see a future where there isn’t such a stigma around opening up about how you are feeling.”
“There is always a way to be a better friend”
Head over to Zac’s Go Fund Me page to find out more about his Movember fundraiser and if you can, please donate to his amazing efforts!
As discussions around mental health have become increasingly prevalent amongst young men, University can be a very isolating and difficult time for many. Moving away from home, meeting new people and adjusting to a new city can take a huge emotional toll.
Perhaps you might know someone, or might be struggling with your own mental health. If so, please remember that there are people who want to listen and help you. Mental health resources are available through the University, the Guild and via help lines such as Samaritans and Mind.
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan
https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/studentsupport/mental-wellbeing
https://www.liverpoolguild.org/making-change/campaigns-hub/mental-health-and-wellbeing-services
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