Men’s Health Month: Putting Mental and Physical Health First

June is Men’s Health Month, a perfect time to talk about the importance of men prioritizing both their physical health and their mental well-being—both of which are crucial to living an overall healthy life.

The first Men’s Health Month was celebrated in 1994, and in the years since it has become a central opportunity for shining the spotlight on the many ways that men can take care of their physical and mental health in spite of the perceived barriers that stand in the way. This June, we encourage those of all genders to take a moment to familiarize themselves with the unique health issues that men face, as well as the ways that we can encourage men of all ages to take optimal care of themselves.

Of course, better health starts with better awareness. If you’re looking for various ways to get involved this year, here’s what you should know about Men’s Health Month.

Men’s Health Awareness: Getting Physical

Men’s Health Awareness Month is the perfect time to shine a spotlight on the unique physical risk factors that men face and what they can do to take better care of themselves.

As of 2017, the life expectancy for men in the United States was 76.1 years of age—about five years less than the life expectancy for women. There are a number of reasons for this, including the fact that men are 50% more likely than women to die of heart disease, a leading cause of death in the U.S.

Other contributing factors to poor overall health among men is that men tend to have a broader build then women and are also less likely to stay socially connected. Men are also more likely to have jobs that require intense physical labor and have significantly higher rates of avoiding routine health screenings.

What all of this tells us is that healthy habits for men aren’t just suggestions—they’re necessities for helping ensure that men live long and high-quality lives.

Some easy things that all men can start doing right now to prioritize their physical health include:

• Going for routine check-ups
• Learning about their family health history and risk factors
• Keeping healthy with exercise and healthy eating habits

The Male Mental Health Stigma

Mental health is just as important as physical health, but in this category men also tend to have lower rates of treatment when compared to women.

There’s an unfortunate stigma attached to mental health disorders, especially when they occur in men. As such, many men rarely discuss or prioritize mental wellness, since there’s a general assumption that being vulnerable in this way contradicts what it means to be masculine. All of this contributes to some troubling men’s mental health facts, including:

• More than 4x as many men die by suicide than women.
• In 2010, men accounted for 79% of all suicides.
• About 1 in 5 men develop alcohol dependency during their lifetime.

Whether you identify as a man yourself or you are just concerned about the men in your life, it’s crucial we all do our part to help destigmatize the conversation around male mental health. And for men in general, this means seeking out better mental health education, understanding what mental health is and what certain disorders may look or feel like, and being open to discussions on mental health topics. It’s also important that men feel comfortable seeking professional help if and when necessary.

Get Involved for Men’s Health Month

Curious about specific ways that you can participate this June? If you want to get involved with Men’s Health Awareness Month, there are a number of ways to do it:

Wear blue

Men’s Health Week is June 12-18, and on Friday, June 18, men and women all over the country are encouraged to wear blue to show their support for the cause.

Get examined—or encourage someone else to.

Make that doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off, or convince a man in your life to do so. A routine check-up is key for identifying health issues at their earliest stages, and gives men an opportunity to open up about any physical or mental health concerns.

Create awareness

Spread the word about men’s health and why it’s important on social media and among your friends and family.

Make a donation

Consider offering monetary support through a donation to a men’s health center or an organization that focuses on a men’s health issue, such as prostate cancer research.

Men’s physical and mental health matters all year round. If you or a loved one are in need of mental health support, please contact us today to learn about our mental health services and get the care you need and deserve.