Often, health conversations can focus on women’s issues instead of including men’s. Traditional expectations of society can discourage seeking help when men are expected to be independent and emotionally resilient, which can lead to feelings of shame or weakness when they struggle with their health. In discussing health, it’s important to recognize the importance of both mental and physical well-being. 

Unfortunately, most men don’t seek out mental health resources because they don’t want to appear weak or incapable, but the truth is: 1 in 10 men report experiencing depression or anxiety daily, but only half of these men seek treatment in their lifetime. The effect of this stigma is staggering. Men are more than four times as likely to die by suicide as women in the U.S, and many do so without previously reporting mental health conditions.

Societal norms can influence how men express their symptoms, leading to differences in how mental health issues manifest compared to women:

Depression. Men are more likely to experience symptoms of fatigue, irritability, and loss of interest in work or hobbies, rather than feelings of sadness.

Anxiety. Men are more likely to receive diagnoses such as substance abuse disorder, ADHD, or intermittent explosive disorder.

PTSD. Men often want to handle their PTSD through problem-solving strategies, which differs from the emotional processing techniques more commonly used by women.

Substance Abuse. Men are more likely than women to use substances as a way to cope with stress or mental health issues. Approximately 1 in 5 men develop an alcohol dependency during their lifetime.

Preventative care is foundational to maintaining overall health and well-being, yet many men overlook it. A 2023 survey revealed that 44% of men reported not regularly getting a yearly physical. This large gap in preventative care can have serious implications. Whether an internal or external expectation to “man up”, symptoms might be dismissed or underestimated when they need medical attention.

To empower men to take charge of their health, it’s important to know and understand individual risk factors for certain conditions. There are five significant biometric numbers that can help anyone understand their risks and be proactive about their health:

1. Total Cholesterol. Includes both “bad” (LDL) and “good” (HDL) types. Keeping it below 200 mg/dL is best to lower heart disease risk.
2. Blood Pressure. Measures how hard blood pushes against artery walls. Numbers higher than 120/80 might mean you need lifestyle changes or medicine.
3. Blood Sugar. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, levels may be consistently high. Over time, this can damage your body and lead to many other health problems.
4. Body Mass Index (BMI). This metric is used as an indicator of whether someone is considered obese or underweight. Obesity is recognized as an individual risk factor for numerous serious health conditions.
5. Minutes of Exercise. Exercising is important for your health and directly correlates with the biometric metric levels listed above. Regular physical activity lowers your risk of obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Working to bridge the gaps in healthcare services, Southwest Health recognizes the unique challenges men face when seeking care. Southwest Health Family Medicine is committed to dismantling men’s health barriers with personalized care, providing a supportive environment where patients of all ages can receive the care they deserve without feeling judged or dismissed.

Take the first step toward better health today by scheduling an appointment with one of Southwest Health Family Medicine providers. Visit our Family Medicine page to see providers that are accepting new patients, making it easier and faster to make an appointment, or call us at 608.348.4330 to make an appointment today!