November, marked as Men’s Health Month, serves as a reminder that taking care of ourselves means looking after both body and mind. To highlight this, Rytas Vilnius and the Vilnius Public Health Bureau are inviting their community to pause and reflect on their psychological well-being.
As part of the social campaign Together Against All, the team aims to remind everyone this November that true strength lies not only in physical endurance or athletic achievements, but also in the courage to speak openly about emotions, experiences, and inner struggles.
The initiative seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health—especially men’s mental health—and to encourage openness. Even the strongest individuals face moments of vulnerability, and talking about it is a sign of courage, not weakness.
“Mental health is still a topic we often avoid, especially men. Yet talking about emotions is a sign of maturity and courage, not weakness. That’s why it’s so important that role models like the Rytas players speak up about emotional well-being. Their example can inspire many men to recognize their feelings, share what’s weighing on them, and seek help. We hope this initiative helps change the mindset—that taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your body,” says Ada Ibijanskaitė, Mental Health Program Coordinator at Vilnius Sveikiau.
In Lithuania, men die by suicide several times more often than women. In 2024, 566 suicides were registered nationwide—461 of them men. While Vilnius has seen a gradual decline in suicides in recent years (69 cases in 2024, 49 of which were men), men still represent the vast majority of victims.
Studies show that the higher suicide rates among men are a global phenomenon, linked to social and psychological factors—traditional masculinity norms that encourage men to suppress emotions, avoid seeking help, or feel weak for admitting difficulties. Such cultural attitudes often result in men enduring crises alone and avoiding mental health professionals.
The campaign will officially launch this Sunday during the Rytas game against Jonava Hipocredit. Fans attending the game at Twinsbet Arena will have the chance not only to cheer for their team but also to support this important cause. Visitors will be invited to write messages of encouragement, share their thoughts on social media, take photos in a special booth, and learn more about available mental health support services.
As part of the campaign, a heartfelt video will also be released, featuring Rytas Vilnius head coach Giedrius Žibėnas, team captain Gytis Radzevičius, and the ever-calm Ignas Sargiūnas. They will share their thoughts on emotional resilience, confidence, pressure, motivation, the importance of team support, and what truly helps them stay strong—both on and off the court.
These numbers remind us that men’s emotional well-being remains a critical issue. Challenges often affect men aged 30–60—a group that is difficult to reach through traditional means. That’s why Together Against All speaks their language—through sport and teamwork, where strength means not only power and endurance, but also the ability to talk, listen, and support one another.
This campaign is not only about the openness of Rytas players and coaches but also a call to all men, young people, and the wider community—to speak courageously about emotions, seek help, and support each other. Together – we are stronger than anything.
Mental Health Support in Vilnius:
KALBĖK (Speak) – Silence doesn’t solve anything. Initiative by the Vilnius Public Health Bureau.
Vilnius City Municipality – Free mental health support services in Vilnius.