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Why Do Men Avoid the Doctor?
Even with June recognized as Men’s Health Awareness Month, many men still avoid the doctor’s office, resulting in poorer health. Statistically, men have a shorter lifespan than women and are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Not only is this an important month for men, but it’s an opportunity to encourage the women in their lives to talk openly with them about their physical and mental health and the importance of routine checkups.
Suppressing Mental Health
From a young age, many boys are told to suppress their feelings and to “man up” or “tough it out”. This is doing more harm than good and shows that asking for help is a sign of weakness.
Over time, this mindset will discourage men from:
- Talking about physical pain they are experiencing
- Addressing their mental health struggles
- Visiting healthcare professionals and specialists
Delaying care can become very serious very quickly and even life-threatening. Men are less likely to seek help for issues like depression or anxiety because of this mindset from a young age.
According to the CDC, the suicide rate among males in 2023 was approximately four times higher than the rate among females. Unfortunately, this stems from stigma, childhood trauma, lack of emotions, and hesitating to ask for help.
How CHDC Can Help
At CHDC, we are proud to offer well-being support services and psychiatry services for our medical patients. Our fully integrated program is equipped with an incredible team of Well-Being Navigators who work with your CHDC Primary Care Provider to offer one-on-one appointments for patients of all ages. Whether you are struggling with depression, substance abuse, family and relationship issues, grief and loss, school or work stress, we are here for you!
CHDC Well-Being Navigator Andre Hewitt, LPC, wants to share:
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.
Please note, Behavioral Health/Well-Being Support services are available for CHDC medical patients only. Visit our Well-Being Support webpage to learn how our fully integrated behavioral health and medical program can help you.
How to Encourage Men to Go to the Doctor
Changing this pattern can be difficult based on their mindset and approach. However, there are practical ways to encourage men to prioritize their health.
Normalize Preventive Care
Compare a doctor's visit to routine maintenance like when they need to service their car, do yard work, or house repairs. Show that taking control of their health is a sign of strength. Skipping routine checkups can lead to late diagnoses of conditions. It’s better to tackle health conditions sooner rather than later.
Find Convenient Care
At CHDC, we offer integrated visits allowing the patient to have more than one provider service encounter in one day, saving you time and maximizing your health! Patients can choose from five convenient locations in Pottstown, Barto, and Boyertown where we offer medical, dental, and vision services all under one roof. Reducing barriers like time and accessibility will encourage men to schedule their appointments.
Start the Conversation Early
It's important to encourage boys and young teens to talk openly about their physical and mental health. Building these habits early can have lifelong benefits. Start by asking them, “How do you feel today?”. Although a simple question, sometimes it’s avoided entirely and can make someone feel important when asked. Make sure to explain that off days and feeling upset or mad is okay and normal.
Turning Awareness into Action
By addressing mental health stigmas, promoting preventive care visits, and encouraging open conversations, we can help men take control of their health all year-round. This is a great opportunity for family, friends, and healthcare professionals to start conversations that may not happen at all. Sometimes a simple reminder is all a person needs to prioritize their health.
If you are a CHDC medical patient and would like to schedule a Well-Being Support appointment, please 610-326-9460 to speak with a Patient Service Representative.