Mental health is important to a person’s health and affects everyone. In recent years, people have become more aware of men’s unique mental health problems. Men’s Mental Health Month is celebrated in Australia in June. Mental Health Month brings attention to mental issues. Men’s Health Week Australia is a yearly event. The aim is to raise awareness of the unique means of health issues. And to promote open discussion of these issues. 

During Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. The people who care about men’s mental health issues. For example, researchers and community members work together to raise money and awareness. Giving an entire month to men’s mental health to bring attention to men’s mental health issues and treatment. They encourage men to get help and give them the tools they need to prioritize their mental health.

The Purpose of Men’s Mental Health Month

Men’s Mental Health Month is celebrated with different events and activities. These events aim to get men interested and give them safe places to talk about how they feel. Men and the people close to them learn about the value of mental health. And the services that are available through workshops, seminars, and panel discussions.

Importance of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month 

Men’s Mental Health Month highlights how important it is to break down stereotypes about men’s mental health. Because of societal norms and stereotypes. The men often can’t show their feelings or get help for their mental health problems. Men’s Mental Health Month wants to build a community where men feel safe. They can talk about their feelings and get help. When they need it by addressing these stereotypes.

Every month should be Mental Health Awareness Month. But June is essential because it’s Men’s Mental Health Australia Awareness Month. Communities need to work together more than ever to help men understand their mental health and support them as they try to improve it. This month-long event raises awareness of ongoing efforts to improve mental and men’s health in Australia. It is to make it easier for them to talk to each other and get help.

If you or someone you care about is having mental health problems, you need help. Helplines, therapy services, Telehealthdr men’s health gp services, and support groups are some ways that people with mental health problems can get help. Always remember that asking for help is a sign of strength and that you have many people who care about you.

Why isn’t men’s mental health taken seriously?

Men’s mental health is gaining recognition and attention in society. But, there have been several factors that have contributed to the perception. That men’s mental health is not taken as seriously as women’s mental health. Here are some possible reasons:

Gender stereotypes: 

Men have often been seen as strong, silent, and independent by traditional gender roles. In contrast, women have been seen as emotional and weak. Men can feel pressured by these beliefs to hide their feelings and get help less often. This can make men think that their mental health is not essential.

Stigma and shame: 

Many societies still have a significant stigma attached to mental health issues. Which affects both men and women. However, men may face additional challenges due to societal expectations of masculinity. Admitting to struggles with mental health can be seen as a sign of weakness or vulnerability. It leads to feelings of shame and reluctance to seek help.

Underreporting and misdiagnosis: 

Men may be less likely to report their mental health concerns or seek professional help. This can result in underreporting and skewed statistics, leading to a perception. That men’s mental health issues are less prevalent or severe. Additionally, certain mental health conditions may present in men. It leads to misdiagnosis or overlooking their symptoms.

Lack of awareness and understanding: 

The public discourse around mental health has focused on women’s experiences. It results in a relative lack of awareness and understanding about men’s mental health issues. This can contribute to a perception that men’s mental health is not as important or deserving of attention.

Limited support networks: 

Men may face challenges in finding and accessing appropriate support networks for mental health. The availability of resources tailored to men’s mental health needs. Support groups or targeted campaigns have been limited compared to those available for women.

Does male health matter as much as female health?

Yes, men’s health is as essential as a woman’s health. Men and women should receive the same attention and funding for health care and well-being. Men and women may have different health problems and needs, but that doesn’t make either less critical.

Male vs. Female Health

So, as in women, different psychological problems influence the emotions of men. There may even be some mental disorders that have not yet been diagnosed. Therefore, it is essential to break the taboos to deconstruct the famous saying, “That man does not cry.”

In some way, all your feelings are externalized through physical aggression or words. Through chemical dependence on drugs or alcohol, through vices of other natures. In an attempt to reduce the symptoms of a disease. They end up contracting heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, etc.

Therefore, mental disorders need to be evaluated and worked on as a form of prevention in men. Many feel ashamed to talk about it and, with that, they stop living healthily. Well, one of the factors that brings quality of life is the maintenance of good relationships.

However, this happens because the raising of boys by the family reinforces that he needs to be a brutal, macho, aggressive person and that sensitivity is something for women. However, both are human beings and have the same feelings.

This male oppression diminishes the person, with changes in behaviour, mood, and professional attitudes. With that, it’s challenging to know what’s going on if he needs something, and hearing a distress call is even more complicated.

If you are reading this, feel something similar, don’t be ashamed; look for a men’s health doctor or a mental health specialist. Who can make a diagnosis and change the course of this story?

Read More: Why are Mental Health Services important?

Around what age do normal healthy men become important?

Impotence is the inability to get or maintain an erection of the penis despite a good sex drive. Impotence is a delicate issue for the male population because of those who suffer from it. It is a source of embarrassment and can harm mood, the relationship with the partner, and the quality of life in general. In medical circles, impotence is also known as erectile dysfunction.

Epidemiology

Impotence is a common condition, especially among older men. On the spread of impotence in the male population, the most reliable statistical surveys report that:

  1. About half of men between the ages of 40 and 70 complain of some form of impotence.
  2. Approximately 10% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 suffer from a severe form of impotence.
  3. 5-10% of men under 40 experience some form of impotence.

In Australia, men with impotence problems are about 3 million, or 10-15% of the male population.

How do you think boys/men feel about going to the doctor?

Several studies find that men generally suffer more from severe and chronic health conditions than women and die more than women from the leading causes of death. However, although male rates assume a significant weight in morbidity and mortality profiles, it is observed that the presence of men in primary health care services is lower than that of women.

The attitudes and feelings of boys and men towards going to the doctor vary widely. Some may approach it with ease, recognizing the importance of proactive healthcare. They may feel confident and comfortable discussing their health concerns, seeking medical advice, and receiving necessary treatments. However, others may experience hesitation or reluctance. 

Societal expectations and stereotypes around masculinity can contribute to the perception that seeking medical care is a sign of weakness or vulnerability. Additionally, fear of receiving a diagnosis, concerns about invasive procedures, or simply feeling uncomfortable discussing personal health matters may play a role.

It is essential to promote open dialogue and encourage boys and men to prioritize their health, addressing any apprehensions and emphasizing that seeking medical care is a responsible and necessary step toward maintaining well-being.

Why are Australian men less likely to visit a doctor?

Males in Australia are less likely to go to the doctor than females for many different reasons. Even though not all men are like this, these tendencies have been seen:

  • Australians support the traditional idea of being a man, which focuses on being independent, tough, and stoic. 
  • Some men might not go to the doctor because they think they can “tough it out.” Or because they believe their health problems won’t bother them as much. 
  • Men may be less likely to go to the doctor than women because they don’t know as much about health risks and signs. 
  • Men often put off going to the doctor because they have more important things to do, like their job. 
  • Another possible reason is the ease of getting medical treatment. Males may not go to the doctor because it’s too far away or expensive, or they can’t get an appointment right away.

You need to look at these problems from many different angles to solve them. People talk about Telehealth doctors as a way to talk about men’s health. Regarding their health, Teleheatlhdr puts expert medical care at the top of their list.

What are the pathways to achieving men’s health?

  1. Take care of your food.

Taking care of what goes on your plate is one of the key points to achieving a better quality of life. Abusing foods rich in saturated fats, sodium, and sugars triggers diseases. Such as heart attacks, strokes, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and cancer.

A tip to improve your diet is to include foods like fish and oilseeds (walnuts, chestnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, and pistachios). 

  1. Get a good night’s sleep.

Less sleeping or not enough can disrupt your metabolic balance. It increases your likelihood of developing heart-related diseases and diabetes. Our organism needs to renew energy, and the sleep rest period is necessary for good health.

In addition, the quality of sleep can also interfere with men’s sexual health. It leads to the production of testosterone in the male body. 

  • Practice physical exercises

The practice of moderate physical exercises, in addition to helping to maintain good shape and health. It can help us maintain a healthy male with a balance of mind, relieving tension and stress. Regardless of age, walking is excellent physical exercise. Sports are also a good option but remember to stay within your body’s limits.

  1. Invest in your self-esteem.

Discover your talents and learn new things that give you pleasure. Share these pleasant moments with the people you love. Plan your rest days to make the most of them and invest in your quality of life.

  • Restrict your alcohol consumption: 

If you choose to drink alcohol, do so moderately. Too much drinking can cause many health problems, such as liver disease, heart problems, and mental health problems.

  • Stop smoking: 

If you are a smoker, quitting is one of the finest decisions you can make for your health. Help from healthcare professionals or cessation programs might be invaluable when trying to kick the habit.

  • Maintaining a Healthy Weight 

Strive for and maintain a weight that is healthy for you. Having extra weight around the middle increases the likelihood of developing health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and even some forms of cancer.

  1. Pay attention to mental health.

Even with advances in recent years, talking about mental health can still be considered taboo for men. “The negative stigma about male feelings prevails while the emotional condition deteriorates. That’s why it’s important to normalize conversations about mental health and break down preconceptions about the need to consult with professionals such as psychologists and psychiatrists.

Conclusion:

Men’s health services are essential for improving men’s health and length of life worldwide. These services include a wide range of preventive, diagnostic, and treatment methods that consider the unique health problems men face throughout their lives.