Story

Breaking the Stigma About Men's Mental Health: Support the NOSHAME Movement and Fight Depression

About the Cause, the Why, and the Story

My name is Tiago Valente, and I’m on a mission to break the stigma surrounding depression in men. Through the NOSHAME Movement, I aim to raise awareness and combat depression using the powerful metaphor of endurance sports. This movement was born from my personal journey of resilience, overcoming depression, and breaking a cycle that has haunted my family for generations. Many men and individuals battle this disease in silence, just as I once did. It’s time to stop the stigma, fight together, and raise awareness.

The NOSHAME Movement envisions a world where the stigma around mental health, especially in men, is dismantled. We strive for a society where individuals can openly seek support and share their struggles without fear of judgment. Our dream is to celebrate mental resilience and empower everyone to overcome their challenges, fostering empathy, strength, and community support. Our mission is to create a support network and provide tools to battle stigma, helping future generations avoid suffering in silence.

You can read more about the NOSHAME Movement, my story, and follow my journey, as well as access other resources about mental health and endurance sports on our website: ProjectNOSHAME.com

About the Challenge: The PATAGONMAN - The Most Extreme Triathlon at the End of the World

To raise awareness and funds for mental health initiatives, I will be participating in The PATAGONMAN, an extreme triathlon in Patagonia, Chile, on December 1st, 2024. This event includes a 3.8 km swim, a 180 km bike ride, and a 42.2 km run. This will be my first extreme triathlon and my first full long-distance (Ironman) triathlon. Through this grueling challenge, I aim to embody and promote the principles of mental resilience, strength, and the importance of community support.

The NOSHAME Movement is about more than finishing a race; it’s about starting conversations, breaking down barriers, and creating a global movement that champions mental well-being alongside physical endurance. Together, we can fight depression and end this silent battle among men.

About the NGO

Al Jalila Foundation, a global healthcare philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives, was founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai in April 2013, to position Dubai and the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation.

Al Jalila Foundation supports medical treatment for individuals unable to afford quality healthcare; provides education and scholarship programs to nurture a home-grown generation of medical professionals and supports ground-breaking research that addresses health challenges prevalent in the region including cancer.

For more information on our work, please visit: www.aljalilafoundation.ae

Join Me in This Cause

Let’s stop the stigma surrounding depression. Your help counts, and together we can make a difference!

Thank you,

Tiago Valente

updates