Breaking the silence around men’s health
The Men’s Health Forum organises Men’s Health Week each year. The week aims to raise awareness and to encourage all men to seek help to address any health concerns that they may be experiencing.
This year, Men’s Health Week UK is running from Monday 10 to Sunday 16 June, and we are encouraging men to share their stories. I know from my 30+ years’ experience as a complementary health practitioner, how few men come forward to address their health concerns; 95% of the clients who visited my clinic were women. Of the men who did attend my clinic, many of them were the partners or spouses of my female clients, who had booked the appointments on behalf of the men. There are a number of factors at play here they think their condition will improve on its own; they do not want to ‘bother’ a doctor; the fear and worry around a bad diagnosis or a bad outcome; superhero syndrome – the old male stereotype thinking that they should be strong, confident, and somehow in control of things, including themselves.
I think it’s safe to say that when it comes to health matters, men don’t talk. So for Men’s Health Week 2024, we’re encouraging men to take a lead from King Charles who, earlier this year, shared that he had a problem with an enlarged prostate. On the day after his announcement, there were 16,410 visits to the relevant National Health Service website page compared with 1,414 visits the previous day. Prostate Cancer UK saw an almost doubling in the number of users of its online risk checker.
This goes to show the difference that honest sharing can make. When you speak up at the first signs of something being ‘off’, you have a much higher chance of sorting out the problem before it escalates. Studies show that men are far less likely to get regular check-ups, especially when it comes to prostate screening, which is recommended every couple of years from the age of 50.
While we are on the subject of prostate cancer, I remember being contacted by a man who had been diagnosed with prostatitis, a painful inflammatory condition of the prostate gland. I suggested that he take the herb Saw Palmetto (which goes under the name Prostasan by the brand, Vogel) to help support his prostate health and it helped clear up the inflammation.
So to all the men out there, please, please speak up! And it’s not just prostates you should be talking about. Whatever’s going on with your health, sharing it may well help you and, by putting a difficult topic on the agenda, it will certainly help others.
Breaking down barriers
Gender stereotypes and societal expectations mean men can be less likely to talk about their health, be less prepared to speak openly about their emotions or recognise when they may need help. Men can be more likely, too, to resort to potentially harmful coping strategies, such as excessive drinking, drugs or smoking.
However, more recently, multiple campaigns have been created to encourage men to talk openly and honestly about how and what they feel, promoting the narrative that masculinity is in no way compromised by vulnerability. It’s essential that we as a society continue this critical dialogue to help abolish the idea that men must suffer in silence, particularly as men are at greater risk of certain health concerns than women.
Especially with cancer, early diagnosis, treatment and intervention is critical. Therefore, it is important to know what to look for in terms of common cancers and encourage men to get into the habit of checking their body (perhaps when in the shower). Highlighting ‘red flags’, such as unusual lumps or persistent pains, changes in weight or bowel activity can also be valuable.
Of course, the above is all well and good if men are engaged and receptive to health and wellbeing messages and health promotion in the first place.
But what if the men around you have their heads in the sand?
Have an open conversation about men’s health with someone you know
Father’s Day in the UK typically falls around the same time as Men’s Health Week, which makes it a fantastic time to check in on your dads, brothers, sons, uncles, grandpas, stepdads, and father figures.
It’s equally important to check in on your male friends, who may need to chat about their mental health or a physical concern.
Remember to avoid offering unsolicited advice (e.g. ‘You should try…’, ‘My friend did this…’, ‘I think you should…’). Instead, listen to what your friend or family member is saying and offer compassion, empathy, and reassurance (e.g. ‘I’m sorry you’re going through this’, ‘I’m here for you’, ‘I understand’).
Call out toxic language or behaviour
When men are with their mates having a laugh, it can be daunting to speak up against toxic conversations and actions. However, what starts out as ‘friendly banter’ for some can escalate in the minds of others and cause them to hide their true feelings.
Toxic language can include stereotyped terminology such as ‘grow a pair’, ‘don’t be such a girl’, and so on. Toxic behaviour might include laughing at a friend for expressing themselves, changing the conversation when someone wants to talk about their mental or physical health, or ‘ghosting’ someone who has opened up about their personal issues.
If you notice someone displaying this type of behaviour, make it known that it’s unacceptable. This doesn’t need to be a public berating, of course. There are many gentler approaches you can take. For example, if the topic of mental/physical health has been shut down, try steering the conversation back towards it again, and speak directly to the initiator. You could also find a quiet, private moment to have an open and honest chat with the person demonstrating toxic behaviour about the impacts of their words or actions. Chances are, they won’t know they’re doing it and will appreciate your honest feedback.
Speak to someone you trust
If you’re feeling comfortable, share the fact that you’ve been for a health check-up, have received a diagnosis, or sought professional help for a mental health issue. It might just encourage them to do the same.
You might think you’re alone in your health struggles, but actually, it’s likely that you’ve got a whole support network of people around you who can see something is wrong. If you feel up to it, speak up about how you’ve been feeling. A sympathetic ear is sometimes all we need to feel a whole lot better. They might even be able to offer practical solutions to help you work out what’s next.
Reach out to your GP
If you’ve had persistent symptoms of a physical or mental health problem for weeks or even months, it’s time to reach out for professional support. Your GP is a great place to start. They’re able to diagnose a condition if they find one and can offer expert advice on potential treatment options. Remember, a GP’s passion is to help people feel better – don’t feel like you’re burdening them by speaking up about how you’ve been feeling.
If you are a man reading this (or know a man) who has been struggling with digestive and gut health issues, or any other physical or mental problem, please do get in touch. We will be happy to offer advice or point you in the direction of an appropriate practitioner.
