Navigating November Awareness Months

Men’s Mental Health Month: 

November is also known as Men’s Mental Health Month! In the UK, it’s otherwise known as Movember, when men grow mustaches over the month to raise awareness of men’s health conditions. These include mental and physical health conditions. 

The National Institute of Men’s Health states that while 51.7% of women with a mental health condition in 2023 received support from mental health services, only 40% of men with a mental health condition did, and Movember encourages Men who are suffering mentally to reach out and gain the help that they need. 

Moreover, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention states that the suicide rate among males in 2023 was around four times higher than the suicide rate among females. The organization also says men make up almost 80% of all suicides. Men may also be more likely to engage in substance misuse when confronted with mental issues. 

CDC. “Suicide Data and Statistics.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 Oct. 2024, www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/data.html. 

All in all, this is a month for men to reflect on their mental wellbeing and seek help if needed. Remember, seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength. 

National Sandwich Day - Nov 3  

November 3rd is National Sandwich Day! Whether you like mayo on everything, put on 5 kinds of cheese, or perhaps even prefer potato chips to french fries as a side, this day is for anyone to celebrate! 

The origin of sandwiches is especially intriguing, as it’s attributed to John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich. One piece of that history that has been tossed about is the meaning of the word Sandwich and the town it comes from. It is generally believed that the town is called Sandwich, and the earl of that town loved to play card games. Thus, he often ordered his food to be delivered in between two slices of bread so that his hands were not greasy.  As time went on, people started saying “same as sandwich” to give me a sandwich!  

Celebrate this day by enjoying a normal sandwich, or perhaps do some weird combinations, who knows, maybe you’ll find a new favourite! 

Remembrance Day - Nov 11

Remembrance Day is known to honour those who gave up their lives to serve our country in war, and to give thanks to everyone who has served in the military forces.  

Before World War 1, the countryside of France was filled with beautiful red poppies and lush vegetation. During the war, these beautiful landscapes were bombed and destroyed by those who fought. The fields became muddy and dreary, but still, the poppy grew as if nothing happened. The poppy symbolizes honour to the people who paid the ultimate sacrifice giving their lives for our freedom. From the last Friday in October to November 11, people wear poppies over their hearts to recognize this sacrifice. Poppies are now sold every November to raise money for Veterans and their families. The Poppy Campaign is conducted by the Royal Canadian Legion.

On November 6, all Ridley students and teachers gathered for a special dedication service. It was a solemn service that let Ridley students commemorate alumni who walked the same halls.  

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.” - Laurence Binyon, 1914, For The Fallen, The Times of London

 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women - Nov 25 

Did you know that almost 1 in 3 women around the world have gone through the traumatic experience of physical or sexual violence? Many women and girls do not dare to stand up for themselves in these instances because of the stigma and shame surrounding it. This day is to help stop violence against women and for innocent people to have better lives and not live through such traumatic experiences.  

“By fighting for women's rights, we are protecting human rights as a whole.” -Audrey Azoulay  

World Children's Day - Nov 20  

This day is to celebrate children, the future of this world. The United Nations adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on November 20, 1989. Canada joined this initiative in 1991. They made a commitment to ensure children everywhere are heard, not harmed and have their basic needs met. In many areas of the world, children's rights are ignored and not met. Children are human and deserve to have rights that are human rights so they should be heard no matter what. This initiative strives for a better future for kids around the world so they can have the future they deserve.