An Interview with Atom Uniacke

Atom Uniacke Interview 

The growing of a moustache in order to create the awareness of men's mental health is only one of the numerous initiatives founder Atom Uniacke is spearheading since the launch of his organization, the GentleMEN Network in September 2016. The non-profit group is based in Halifax that aims to motivate, educate and activate males to confront the stereotypes of masculinity and to embrace healthier alternative ways of being. 

The GentleMEN Network aims to spark discussions about mental health and reduce the stigma associated with talking about it, and assist people who are in need of it the most. Since the beginning, Atom has been a constant leader in this effort and has been working hard in the background on initiatives like "Movember with Meaning" - which enlisted more than 100 participants and helped raise nearly $10,000 for local mental health services. In the midst of all the attention on mental health for men currently We spoke to Atom Uniacke to learn more about the topic...

What brought you to create The GentleMEN Network?

Like the old adage goes that life is a series of events. I was getting ready to graduate of my school, the University of King's College with my degree in journalism and thought of moving to Toronto for a start-up in the field of media. Although I was always enthusiastic about resilience and mental health however, I was never thinking of becoming involved in the sector. I was always on the incorrect side of the desk. A couple of events occurred that altered my outlook. When I was in my last term of high school I got diagnosed as having anxiety. The diagnosis came as a shock however I'm grateful that I was able to get help. 

Being someone who has always been in a heated, cold relation to medicine I found the drugs to be exactly what I needed to be more normal. The thing that really made me think about was the way I felt after I stopped taking these pills. I had hoped to feel exactly the way I did before being diagnosed and prescribed medication However, I was able to feel that my body had transformed. I became hyper-aware of my posture, my breathing, my voice, things that I had never noticed prior to. It was clear that I'd been hyper-vigilant. While I was grateful to have gained self-awareness as well as control, I became very aware of how my fellow people did not have this.

Moving with meaning: An interview With Atom Uniacke

As the months drew closer to Movember The GentleMEN Network recruited over 100 members and raised more than 10,000 dollars for local programs in mental health. It was the GentleMEN Network decided to build on the success of Movember and created a new program named "Movember with Meaning." This initiative was designed to attract around 100 people and to raise nearly $10,000 for local mental health services. This was a huge undertaking considering that it was a relatively new initiative. 

GentleMEN Network was still relatively brand new, but they were able to make it work. The highlight of the show was the live panel discussion that took place in Halifax Central Library. Halifax Central Library. It featured local mental health advocates as well as specialists, including the Dr. Andrew Macdonald and Mike Bell who is the author of Mad Enough To See an Psychiatrist.

The GentleMEN Network's Latest Effort: "Mental Health Month"

The GentleMEN Network is currently in the process of preparing for their very first Mental Health Month. The aim of the initiative is to increase consciousness about mental health and provide a safe place for men to discuss their challenges and seek help. It will also include the creation of a digital calendar of content, including articles and video content about mental health as well as a number of in-person activities, as well as a collaboration in conjunction with Canadian Mental Health Association - Nova Scotia and PEI. 

One particular event has gained momentum already. "Let's Talk" is a panel discussion featuring Doctor. Andrew Macdonald and Mike Bell along with guest speakers Ian Black, President and CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association - Nova Scotia and PEI, Pete Robidoux of the Mood Disorder Society of Canada, as well as other. The discussion will be held in Halifax's Oval located in Halifax on the 19th of March between 7:00 and 9:00 at night.

Conclusion

It's amazing to watch this GentleMEN Network expand throughout the past year. It has allowed me to focus on what I enjoy and to use my love of the field of journalism and health care to have a positive effect. The community response is overwhelmingly favorable and we've been fortunate to collaborate with many amazing local groups, such as those like the Canadian Mental Health Association, Mood Disorders Society of Canada, Campaign for Suicide Prevention as well as the Canadian Centre for Men and Families. We're eager to see the next chapter and are hoping to continue invigorating, instructing and encouraging men to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.