It can be easy to forget some of the lesser known dangers when it comes to awareness months, and that’s especially true of men’s health awareness. Prostate cancer is usually first to mind. And while it is definitely a substantial danger that deserves attention — so much so that we made it our feature in this month’s edition — it’s obviously not the only aspect of men’s health that people should know about.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention heart health and testosterone levels, but there’s still something else just as important yet hardly discussed: men’s mental health.
According to the National Institutes of Health, men are less likely than women to seek mental health help. That’s in stark contrast to a data showing that as of 2020, the suicide rate among men was four times that of women.
NIH research suggests that men’s mental health often gets overlooked and that stigma is a formidable barrier to men seeking care. That stigma is embroiled in sociocultural beliefs and masculinity norms.
So what can be done?
Taking control of other aspects of their health can help men take control and improve their mental health. Improved nutrition, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and meditation can help men take a first step in prioritizing their mental health.
In addition, the value of a strong social network and perceptive family members can’t be underestimated. Loved ones need to know the signs to watch for and make themselves available and nonjudgmental to help the men in their lives.
In short: Take care of yourself and each other. God bless, and thank you for reading Central Florida Health News.
