In celebration of men everywhere, a group of mental health advocates in Kelowna are extending a helping hand.

, in collaboration with , is launching a new app just in time for International Men香蕉视频直播檚 Day (Nov. 19).

The app, 香蕉视频直播榟e.香蕉视频直播�, connects men around the world seeking help. Through the app they can connect with others in safe, judgment-free zones, and work through problems together. It can be used anonymously.

According to Hechangedit, one man a minute is lost to suicide around the world. What香蕉视频直播檚 more, three out of four suicides in Canada are males. And this need is ever increasing. A recent study showed that 77 per cent of men have felt an increase in stress, anxiety and depression since the pandemic began.

香蕉视频直播淭he really alarming part about that is that 40 per cent said that they won香蕉视频直播檛 talk about it. And 22 per cent said that even if they were suicidal, they still wouldn香蕉视频直播檛 talk to a professional,香蕉视频直播� said Candace Chisholm, CEO and co-founder of 香蕉视频直播榟e.香蕉视频直播�.

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She explained a barrier for men could be picking up the phone and calling. It could be not being able to get to a doctor during regular hours, or having their name associated with a stigma. That香蕉视频直播檚 where the app, two-and-a-half years in the making, comes in.

香蕉视频直播淏y having the opportunity to be anonymous, or engage when and if you need, whenever you need, that starts to break down some of the barriers that exist in traditional health.香蕉视频直播�

Referencing the tough, boots-on-the-ground work that Third Space performs on a daily basis, Shannon Crabbe, co-founder and COO of the app, said they want 香蕉视频直播榟e.香蕉视频直播� to help.

The goal is to create a safe place for men to talk, 24/7.

香蕉视频直播淲e all have men in our lives that we want to see thrive,香蕉视频直播� said Nicole Gerber, communications manager with Third Space Life Charity.

The Kelowna charity is a group of people dedicated to building resilience and strength within young people everywhere. For years they have been supporting emotional wellness among young adults during critical points in their lives. Through their student care program, Third Space Life Charity offers free counselling for college and university students.

香蕉视频直播淲e just hope to play a supportive role for our counterparts. Just because we香蕉视频直播檙e women doesn香蕉视频直播檛 mean that we香蕉视频直播檙e not capable of playing a role in supporting men in their mental health. We recognize that emotions are gender-less, they香蕉视频直播檙e universal, and we all experience them, and that香蕉视频直播檚 what connects us all,香蕉视频直播� Megan Woodruff, Third Space Life Charity project manager.

The best place to find the app, available for pre-order Nov. 19, is through 香蕉视频直播檚 website, Hechangedit.com.

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Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: phil.mclachlan@kelownacapnews.com

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