A decade of supporting Movember

This is my 10th year supporting Movember , and I’m raising funds for some of the most pressing health issues facing men today: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. This cause is deeply personal to me, as I have lost friends and family members to mental health struggles and prostate cancer.

I want to acknowledge that while this campaign focuses on men's health issues, it is essential to recognize the health and well-being of all individuals, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Movember emphasizes that mental health is a universal concern, encouraging conversations that resonate with all communities. Their initiatives aim to break down barriers and foster a culture of support that uplifts everyone. Together, we can advocate for a world where all voices are heard and valued.

Did you know?

• In Canada, 3 out of 4 suicides are by men, making it the second leading cause of death for those aged 15-45.
• Men have a life expectancy that is 6 years shorter than women.
• Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men.
• Prostate cancer ranks as the second most prevalent cancer in men worldwide.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for awareness and action. This year, my focus is on mental health, reflecting on personal struggles I’ve faced. To raise awareness, I will share two vulnerable stories that interconnect, hoping that they will bring strength and encourage open conversations.

Part 1: The Name and Identity Crisis

Before coming to Canada, I worked hard on my accent to fit in. I made friends through an online game who helped me practice my English and refine my accent, even jumping on Skype to chat, thank you Edward Mccline for being one of those kind people. Some family members disapproved of my efforts, believing my accent was part of our identity, but I remained determined to fit in and feel that I belonged.

It was a huge learning curve being in Canada. I graduated from Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) with good grades, and my instructor told me I was the first student to achieve the LEED AP credential before graduating. This equipped me with foundational knowledge in holistic sustainability. Apart from my passion for sustainability, I pursued this credential to stand out among a sea of talented applicants, especially during a recession.

I chose to go by "Peter" in my program because some found "Prateek" difficult to pronounce. Rather than being called Patrick, I preferred a name I wanted. This decision was not just about convenience; it was a way to navigate a new environment where I wanted to fit in. After making this change on my resume and applications, I noticed an uptick in interview callbacks, which reinforced my choice.

I love the name my late mother gave me and did not change it legally, but I sometimes struggle with the identity crisis between Prateek and Peter. My mother wanted her choice to be heard within the family when she named me Prateek, and I am incredibly thankful for that. On one hand, "Prateek" connects me to my heritage and family, embodying my roots and the stories that shaped me. On the other hand, "Peter" represents my desire to adapt and integrate into a new culture. This duality can be challenging; I often find myself reflecting on how names carry weight and meaning, influencing perceptions and opportunities. Ultimately, I embrace both identities, finding a balance that honors my past while allowing me to thrive in my present.

When my wife and I named our daughter, we wanted a name that was easy to pronounce yet reflected my heritage, so that she wouldn’t face the same struggles I did. I look forward to a world where unconscious bias doesn’t exist, allowing people like me to embrace their identities without feeling pressured to change.

These experiences have highlighted the importance of mental health for me, especially during Movember. Navigating my identity has been a journey filled with ups and downs, and I’ve learned that talking about these struggles is crucial. Movember serves as a powerful reminder that reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness but a vital step toward well-being. As my first coping mechanism, sharing my story has not only helped me process my feelings but also opens doors for others to share their experiences. By fostering conversations around identity, belonging, and mental health, I encourage others to feel empowered to seek support and embrace their own stories.

In addition to the importance of talking, music has played a transformative role as my other coping mechanism. Those who know me well understand just how much I love Metallica. Their powerful lyrics and energetic riffs resonate deeply with my experiences, providing an emotional outlet and a sense of connection during tough times. Music reminds me that I’m not alone in my journey. One song I recommend is "Too Far Gone?" from their latest album, 72 Seasons, which speaks to the struggles we face—reminding us that we are never too far gone to save and that we can make it through the day. Their classic track "The Unforgiven" reflects on personal battles, struggles towards the quest for identity and the journey toward self-acceptance. It's important to recognize that everyone's coping mechanisms may be different; what works for one person might not work for another. Finding the right approach is a personal journey. If you are struggling, I encourage you to seek help—start with a talk. For those who want to help but don’t know where to begin, check out this amazing tool:?Movember Conversations: https://conversations.movember.com/en/

Part 2: "Not a Real Canadian"

Despite all the effort I put in—and that many others do—to belong, facing racism is an unfortunate part of life as a person of color. You develop tough skin, and each experience teaches you something new. Recently, I encountered a situation I once thought only happened on the news or social media. Two kids, seemingly under ten, approached me and told me to "go back to my country." I was shocked and took a moment to process their words. I responded, "I'm a proud Canadian; this is my country, and it’s the only citizenship I hold." I hoped that standing up and educating them might make a difference.

Their reply was disheartening: "Well, you don’t look Canadian and don’t belong here." When I asked what a Canadian looks like, I couldn’t believe the response: "Daddy says you have to be white." I felt frozen and upset. They are just kids—innocent at heart. Before I could gather my thoughts, they walked away.

This incident continues to affect me. As a father, it worries me how such experiences will impact my daughter and what I need to teach her to be strong and prepared. When is the right time to speak up? Do you feel safe doing so? I’ve discussed this with my wife, and we both believe that sharing our feelings is crucial. It’s unhealthy to let these thoughts build up. I strive to be a better dad and speak out against racism, championing positive change. We must spread love, not hate, so that our next generation grows up in a world where empathy and equality are the standard, not the exception.

Racism is not solely a men's issue; it affects immigrants and people of color in various ways, often teaching us resilience in the face of systemic barriers. We frequently encounter lower salaries, fewer opportunities, and the stigma of not belonging in leadership roles, compounded by stereotypes that undermine our capabilities. These challenges are even more complex when intersecting with other forms of discrimination, such as sexism or classism.

As we navigate these challenges, it’s essential to confront the issue of toxic masculinity. This societal pressure often leads men to feel they must "tough it out" and hide their vulnerabilities. Movember highlights the importance of breaking this cycle. It reminds us that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. By sharing our experiences and fostering open conversations about identity, racism, and mental health, we can cultivate a supportive environment. Together, we can empower one another to share our stories and seek the help we need.

Be a person of more words. Talking can literally save lives.

I invite you to consider donating, even a small amount, as every contribution helps spread awareness and supports a great cause. To make it more exciting, in honor of my decade of support for Movember, the highest donor this year will get to choose the style of my mustache!

You can donate here: https://movember.com/m/petersharma.

Let’s make a difference together and help prevent men from dying too young!

• Movember Family man parenting guide: https://familyman.movember.com/
• The cause: https://youtu.be/nAPnY0a1SnU?si=PxcWC9l0hCuf52ka
• Be a man of more words: https://youtu.be/sjQBuowaDKY?si=bOrh3XSwf2NPRAZs
• Movember.com

Thanks to my wife Sandra Sharma Zurek for being an amazing and supportive person.

#Movember #MentalHealth #ProstateCancer #TesticularCancer #Awareness #Community #BreakTheStigma #TalkAboutIt #Inclusion #Allyship #Metallica #...AndHealthForAll #HealthForAll?