Men, Take Charge of Your Health!
Celebrated each June, Men's Health Awareness Month is an important time to encourage healthy choices for boys and men of all ages. Many men do not get the medical care or preventive screenings they need resulting in a shorter life expectancy than women. Finding spare time to visit your provider may be difficult, but it could end up saving your life! Even if men sense something is wrong, they may still avoid the doctor for many different reasons. One of those main reasons could include societal expectations of masculinity.
It Feels Great to be Heard and Understood
CHDC Patient Access Representative, Irving offers some advice to men who are having a difficult time asking for help:
What are some challenges and issues that you notice when it comes to men and prioritizing their mental health?
We (men) tend to either wait to the last minute or like a "breaking point" to worry/work on ourselves. Or we suppress our feelings/thoughts because many of us think it diminishes our masculinity.
What are some things you do to keep up with your physical and mental health?
Do what makes you happy is the best phrase I was told. There was a moment I had with my therapist where she asked me about my podcast and talking to her about it, she pointed out how happy and bright I become. Which took me time to accept it. Sometimes we all get caught up in our work life that we forget to cater to ourselves, and we push our mental health to the back burner.
What is some advice you would give to men who are nervous to address their own health concerns?
It's okay to be nervous, it's okay to feel and even more to express those feelings. We should not let our masculinity be the forefront of why we can't express our feelings whether it's good or bad. To be completely honest my session felt like everything I've ever suppressed was completely weighted off my shoulders and it's the best feeling in the world. It feels great to be heard and understood.
Take Proactive Steps Now
Encouraging men to take proactive steps towards prioritizing their health is a must. Promoting open dialogue and showing support where men feel comfortable to share their health concerns is crucial. CHDC Behavioral Health Consultant, Andre would also like to add that, “Sometimes as men, life can feel and become almost robotic as we show up every day, doing whatever it takes to make sure those we are responsible for have all that they need, while ignoring our own needs even when running on empty. Let’s give ourselves permission to replenish our own mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual tanks each day so that we have what we need and serve those around us more effectively.”
Men’s health issues don’t affect only men – they have a significant impact on their family, friends, and community. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor and schedule your annual check-up! In addition to your medical visit, CHDC offers integrated Behavioral Health Services ensuring everyone has access to the support systems they need.
Thank you to Irving and Andre, for sharing your insight, advice, and support on this topic.
If you would like to schedule an appointment at CHDC, please call 610-326-9460 to speak with a Patient Services Representative.