When someone mentions men’s health, what do we think? What reasons does a man have to see his GP?
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One fairly general school of thought is only if there is something wrong with the penis, the testicles or the prostate. This is what my male GP partner sees more often than not.
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What I see my male patients seeking help for, reveals a bigger picture: Men who are trying for a baby and are concerned it isn’t happening.
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I see men suffering from anxiety, stress, low mood, sleeping problems, isolation and emotional support. Men suffering from relationship issues, financial problems or work related nightmares must seek help early, because staying quiet can often lead to catastrophic outcomes.
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I see men battling addiction- sometimes in silence – finding it impossible to talk to anyone about it. Addictions and dependencies range from smoking, drinking and drugs to gambling, sex, food and even gaming.
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I see men who want to better their general health and wellbeing and are looking for advice, tips, routine screening for a healthier lifestyle.
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I see men who are worried about their breasts – yes, men have hormonal body changes too.
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My main point being; the human body is diverse. It is complex. It functions in a very similar way irrespective of gender despite obvious or subtle differences.
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Mental health problems can have a stigma, often more prevalent for men, perhaps due to warped perceptions of masculinity and strength. Let’s be clear: mental health is mental health and affects everyone equally. That being said, suicide disproportionately affects male Brits and continues to be the biggest killer of men in the UK under the age of forty five. The more we talk about health openly, the more lives we can all help improve/save.
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If you are a man reading this, partner, brother, father, son, friend – it is crucial to reach out if there is anything at all about the body or mind that is worrying you. It might turn out to be nothing, it might be something serious. You’ll only know if you ask.
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Here’s to healthy men??
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