Bringing Awareness to Men’s Health

According to the CDC, the life expectancy for men is on average 5.8 years less than for women. While this is partially due to genetic factors, preventable and/or treatable illnesses and injuries also play a role.

November is Men’s Health Awareness Month and organizations like the Movember Foundation are working to help men live longer, healthier lives by raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention, as well as certain cancers that commonly affect men.

So, this November, we’re examining the ways men can take action to improve their health and find support along their journey.

 

Lifestyle Changes Men Can Make to Improve Their Health

There are a variety of reasons men have a shorter life expectancy than women, some of which are outside of an individual’s control. For instance, men may be genetically predisposed to some diseases because of their XY chromosomes and higher levels of androgens like testosterone.

However, lifestyle factors also play a significant role in men’s health and longevity. Men tend to take bigger risks than women and are over-represented in more dangerous jobs. They are also more likely to smoke, drink to excess and experience loneliness from a lack of social connections.

Finally, men tend to be less proactive about healthcare and skip routine screenings that could catch serious medical conditions in their early stages.

So, to help men enjoy longer and healthier lives, here are a few day-to-day changes they can make:

  • Follow a healthy diet
  • Stay active and exercise regularly
  • Avoid alcohol, or drink only in moderation
  • Quit smoking
  • Visit the doctor for routine check-ups
  • Learn healthy ways to manage stress
  • Prioritize friendships, family and other social connections

Making these lifestyle changes can not only help men live longer, but also improve their quality of life.

 

Mental Health Challenges Affecting Men

Both men and women experience mental health challenges, but these conditions may present differently depending on gender. For instance, men with depression are more likely to report symptoms like fatigue, irritability and loss of interest in work or hobbies as opposed to feelings of sadness or worthlessness.

Men are also less likely than women to seek help for their mental health. The reasons behind this include social norms that discourage men from showing vulnerability or weakness, which can cause men to downplay their symptoms or feel embarrassed about getting treatment.

Though women are more likely to attempt suicide, men are more likely to succeed. In fact, men die by suicide almost 4 times more than women, which may be because they use more lethal weapons like firearms.

As mental health is not discussed as often among men—in fact 40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health—developing awareness is a key first step. So, here are some of the most common mental health conditions men may experience:

Depression
Over 6 million men suffer from depression per year, though male depression is more likely to go undiagnosed.

Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders are more common in women, but they still affect 14.3% of men in the United States each year.

Schizophrenia
Of those who receive a schizophrenia diagnosis by the age of 30, 90% are men.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Men are more likely to experience accidents, assaults, combat or witnessing a death or injury, all of which can lead to PTSD.

Substance abuse
Across most age groups, men have higher rates of dependence on alcohol and illegal drugs. They are also more likely than women to die of an overdose.

 

Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options and lifestyle changes that can help. Though taking the initial step to reach out may be hard, many people find significant improvements in their mental health through:

  • Therapy to help manage symptoms and learn new coping behaviors
  • Medication such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and anti-psychotics
  • Communicating with family and friends, especially during stressful periods
  • Learning to manage stress through meditation, mindfulness or other methods