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害羞草研究所檚 Day (Nov. 19).

The app, 害羞草研究所榟e.害羞草研究所�, 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害羞草研究所檚 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.

害羞草研究所淭he really alarming part about that is that 40 per cent said that they won害羞草研究所檛 talk about it. And 22 per cent said that even if they were suicidal, they still wouldn害羞草研究所檛 talk to a professional,害羞草研究所� said Candace Chisholm, CEO and co-founder of 害羞草研究所榟e.害羞草研究所�.

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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害羞草研究所檚 where the app, two-and-a-half years in the making, comes in.

害羞草研究所淏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.害羞草研究所�

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 害羞草研究所榟e.害羞草研究所� to help.

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

害羞草研究所淲e all have men in our lives that we want to see thrive,害羞草研究所� 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.

害羞草研究所淲e just hope to play a supportive role for our counterparts. Just because we害羞草研究所檙e women doesn害羞草研究所檛 mean that we害羞草研究所檙e not capable of playing a role in supporting men in their mental health. We recognize that emotions are gender-less, they害羞草研究所檙e universal, and we all experience them, and that害羞草研究所檚 what connects us all,害羞草研究所� Megan Woodruff, Third Space Life Charity project manager.

The best place to find the app, available for pre-order Nov. 19, is through 害羞草研究所檚 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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