Men’s Health Month

Men’s Health month may be best known for the Movember drives to raise money for prostate cancer research, but men’s health isn’t limited to this. This month recognizes many health issues that men may deal with. Both physically and mentally. 

Societally men have been expected to ‘be a man,’ which came with expectations like being a breadwinner, being tough and unemotional, and not complaining about discomfort or hardship. Most people now understand that men have emotions and there are drawbacks to having a ‘stiff upper lip.’ Despite this, the effects of these expectations linger and can be internalized or exist in one’s community. 

Due to the lingering cultural and societal expectations on men, they are less likely to discuss how they are feeling, with other men especially. This includes relying on their male community members for emotional support or health concerns. Repression of emotions may manifest itself in behaviours seen as more ‘manly,’ like greater risk-taking or addiction. Many men feel isolated and long for change but don’t know how to make it happen. Acknowledging these struggles makes some men feel weak due to the ingrained expectations when in reality, reaching out and seeking support is a sign of strength and courage.

What does this mean?

Society recognizes these toxic beliefs can reduce the likelihood that men will seek care for physical and mental concerns. This is leading to suffering and physical conditions being uncared for longer or even untimely death. Additionally, struggling with physical health issues without asking for family or community support or seeking the counsel of a professional can then impact one’s mental health. This, in turn, can cause mood and behaviour changes, affecting not only the individual but also friends, family and colleagues.

Shining a light on this through a month-long recognition of men’s health concerns aims to reduce the stigma of seeking help and open up more conversations around what ‘being a man’ should be. Men can and should explore the supports that are available by those looking for help. If someone you know is struggling, even silently, someone at OCCS would be happy to connect with them.

Resources

Freiwald, A. (2015, May 26). What Men’s Health Crisis? The ETR Blog. https://www.etr.org/blog/my-take-men-health/

UNC School of Medicine (2022). The Men’s Health Crisis. UNC Men’s Health Program. https://www.med.unc.edu/menshealth/the-mens-health-crisis/

Written by: Olivia Donaher, MACP

Olivia@okclinical.com

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