Image: GettyToday is International Men's Day, weren't' aware it existed? Not many people are.
November 19th is International Men's Day.
Celebrated every year since 1999, the day aims to create talk around the very important issues surrounding men's mental health and male suicide.
And the toxic effect perceptions of masculinity may have on today's male population.
Here is everything that you need to know about International Men's Day.
International Men's Day was created with the intention of building a global men's movement that encourages peace and the resolution of disputes.
As suicide has been found to be the biggest killer of men under the age of 45, International Men's Day aims to create a space for men to talk about mental health.
Things such as poverty, homelessness, toxic masculinity, fatherlessness, parental alienation, religious and ethnic intolerance may prevent men and boys from living healthy, happy and long lives.
The theme for International Men's Day 2018 is 'Positive Male Role Models'.
And we needn't look far for those in Ireland!
From the All Black conquering Irish Rugby team, to the presidency of Micheal D. Higgins and the success of overseas performers such as Cillian Murphy and Bono.
Or maybe you're lucky enough to have a positive male role model closer to home in the shape of a father, grandfather or uncle.
''Sometimes all you need is a hug".
Warwick Marsh, coordinator of internationalmensday.co.uk, explains the inspiration behind this year's chosen theme.
"We have put the spotlight on positive role models to raise awareness of men's health and wellbeing," he says.
Earlier this year, writer Caitlin Moran asked men on Twitter what the "downsides" are of being a man, with many saying that they find it difficult to express their emotions.
"When women get beaten up in life, their friends gang up to support them. Men don't. Sometimes all you need is a hug," one person
When women get beaten up by life, their friends gang up to support them. Men don’t. Sometimes all you need is a hug. — Mark Stradling (@oldmansteptoe) October 18, 2018 " data-vars-event-id="c6">tweeted
So today, take a moment to reach out to some of the men in your life you may have lost touch with - or who could be doing it tough.
It could make a world of difference to them.
