Beyond the familiar moustaches of Movember, Project Peace is dedicating this November to addressing the crucial and often challenging topic of men's mental health. This month serves as a vital reminder that fostering open conversations and supportive environments is essential for the well-being of our students, staff, and neighbours.
We are proud to share a special initiative led by Project Peace Success Coaches Darcy Patterson and Miranda Kole, and brought to life through the vulnerability of community members and PRSD employees. This collaboration highlights the challenges men face and, most importantly, empowers them to seek the support they need.
At the core of this crucial message are the candid words shared by PRSD Student Support Worker and Educational Assistant Justin Dicks. His powerful testimony is centred on the core truths of vulnerability and connection.
Justin opens the conversation with an immediate and urgent call to action. His words serve as the direct encouragement many men may need to overcome the initial hurdle of reaching out:
"If this message reaches you and gives you that push, or that motivation, or even that excuse to ask for help, then do it. Don't wait. Do it today. Do it now."
The video goes on to address some of the destructive cultural myths surrounding men's mental health. Justin passionately rejects the harmful standards of the past, insisting on a new, healthier definition of strength centred around emotional intelligence and the willingness to utilize resources:
"I think the old narrative that, you're a man, you know, toughen up, I think we need to shed that. I believe strongly that if you're a man, you need to get help."
In the video's conclusion, Justin is seen one last time speaking about a raw, personal reflection that validates the life-changing impact of accepting support. He ties his own journey into the universal struggle of avoiding vulnerability:
"It took about 15 years of me searching for something that I knew I wasn't going to find by myself. But again, it gave me the excuse to just not try. And only recently did I accept help. And, to be honest, it saved my life."
This honest admission is the most powerful takeaway we can share this Movember.
The Peace River School Division and Project Peace encourages everyone to internalize Justin's story, and the messages shared by the other men in this video, and know that accepting help is not only important but also life-saving.
Watch the Message & Find Support
We encourage you to watch the full video and share this powerful message within your network:
Watch the Men's Mental Health Video here: https://youtu.be/H2cUHRj3eKo
If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out is the first and most critical step. Please utilize the resources available in our community. A list of these resources is available HERE.
