A Louth man is planning a 200km challenge to shed light on the rate of male suicide

Jens Stöckel from Co.Stupidity next month he will walk 200 km in tribute to the 60 men who lose their lives to suicide every 60 seconds.

The 43-year-old decided to take on the challenge to raise awareness and funds for men’s health charity Movember and to deal with his own health issues during the dark November nights.

Jens explains: “I used to love concerts and being in the middle of crowds, but everything changed in my 20s when I had my first panic attack and was diagnosed with anxiety disorder. I had to leave my job. I couldn’t socialize. I had some very dark days when I couldn’t do anything.

Jens sought help from a therapist and learned to live with his condition, but the sales leader at Hubspot admits it was difficult. Especially at the beginning.

“I was living with my parents at the time and my dad didn’t know how to deal with what was happening to me. He had no education and knowledge then. I knew he thought less of me and it really hurt.

“Thankfully things have improved because my dad understands more and friends, family and therapy have helped me. But not everyone is so lucky. I’m taking on this challenge to show men across Ireland that it’s okay to talk about mental health and ask for help if you need it.

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Jens will be joined by his new puppy, Toby, as they attempt to cover the 60-mile distance. Something Jens knows will tax him both physically and mentally.

“I gained weight from the medications I was taking, which was very difficult for me to accept. But it gave me a new level of empathy for other people too. You never know what someone is going through behind closed doors, so it’s important not to judge.

“Toby and I will be pounding pavements around Louth trying to reach our 60-mile destination. I am motivated to reach my goal because I know that any money we raise will go to a life-saving cause.”

This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Movember campaign, which raises awareness and funds for men’s mental health, suicide prevention and prostate and testicular cancer. Men’s health is a national issue. Men die on average 4.5 years earlier than women, and from largely preventable causes – 60 men die by suicide every 60 minutes.

For more information, go to www.movember.com