While mental health challenges can affect anyone, evidence suggests, that men in general are reluctant to seek help for their emotional problems and stresses. Yet, depression and suicide are ranked as some of the leading causes of death among men. We
hear motorcycle riders, when faced with mental health challenges, may cope by riding to escape in isolation.
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) – a leader in a range of specialized mental health treatment and services in Canada – has joined hands with BMW Motorcycle Owners of America, Movember and Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) to create an inclusive and meaningful
space for motorcycle riders struggling with the ups and downs of mental health challenges, and connect them with one another over their common passion for riding. Given the unprecedented and uncertain times we all are going through due to the pandemic,
it is all the more important and necessary to strengthen our social connections to deal with everyday challenges and stressors.
For this purpose, Ontario Shores is conducting a mental health help-seeking survey to better understand (1) your potential mental health needs, (2) facilitators and barriers to help-seeking and, (3) strategies for supporting your help-seeking behavior
and sense of social connectedness. They invite all BMW MOA members to participate the survey.
The survey is entirely voluntary and you can skip any questions you don’t want to respond to. Your responses will remain completely confidential. If you wish to participate in the survey, all you have to do is log on to your BMWMOA account and complete
the survey by clicking on the survey link, surveymonkey.com/r/PMCNXD6.
As an appreciation for your time, you will have the option of participating in a random drawing for a BMWMOA Pursuit Three-Layer Jacket. This prize is made possible by funding provided by Movember and the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.
If you have any questions/concerns regarding the survey, please feel free to contact Sayani Paul. Ontario Shores will be updating the BMW MOA community from time to time as the study
progresses. Keep an eye on your BMW Owners News and the BMW MOA website for some exciting updates.
