As part of Men’s Health month at Beyond our male practitioners have given us their insights into what health issues men are currently affected by and what advice they would give to break them down to find a solution
What male health issue do you think needs more media and education?
Craig
I believe mental health is still a significant issue across the male population due to perceived ‘toughness’ or ‘manliness’ in not sharing how you feel. A lot of stress, anger, frustration and aggression could be avoided with a focus on mental and emotional growth for adolescent boys and men.
Nick
Mental health
Shane
There’s been some great inroads into mental health over recent years and in particular breaking down the barriers of communication in the male population. It’s an area that I feel will need continual attention at least until there’s a generational change
Tom
It is of my view that more attention and continued education needs to be centred around the notion of men’s mental health and prevention of mental health related issues that may arise such as addiction, homelessness, violence and suicide. Yes there has been an improvement and understanding that this is a real issue however more awareness and attention needs to be brought to the circles of mainstream media and within local communities at large.
Josh
Mental health issues including anxiety, depression & general work/life stress. I believe this has been much improved in terms of exposure, but still a way to go.
John
Depression and understanding depression in males, being more open and honest about it rather than it being seen as being soft to talk about those type of things with their mates.
What advice would you give men to help improve their health?
Craig
Get active, get a mate and get a coffee.
Get active to improve your physical health (and emotional health simultaneously). Get a mate and grab a coffee to have a chat regularly, whether it’s trivial or deep having a connection and a go-to person when times get tough will help.
Nick
Getting outdoors and doing exercise releases endorphins which help feel better and a good way to keep in shape. Exercising in a group can be a good way to stay motivated and keeps you accountable.
Shane
Speak up! A good mate will always listen, and a good mate will always ask
Tom
Clearly it is out of my depth to understand nor advise upon mental health strategies however the understanding and acceptance within society that this is a genuine issue may unlock the barriers for men to seek help. My advice to anyone suffering from mental health related issues would to firstly speak to someone that you trust such as a family member, friend, work colleague or a General Practitioner as to what may be causing one to feel a particular way. It may only be a discussion but this action is a powerful tool to improve men’s awareness of their current situation and one step on the road to improving men’s health.
Josh
Keep open lines of communication with friends and family, exercise movement for general health benefits, balanced nutritional intake & lower alcohol consumption
John
Stay Hydrated. On average healthy men who are hydrated should be urinating about 5 times per day. If you’re not, time to drink up.
