Why do you think Men's health issues don't get talked about enough?

Jena(Staff)

Many men feel compelled to maintain an image that often prevents them from seeking help, sometimes a behavior that can have dire consequences on both mental and physical health. Why do you think men's health issues don't get talk about enough?

legaljen1969

Men don't "talk" about their health or their issues. I think it's the "Big boys don't cry" mentality that men must be "tough." I recognize it as a huge issue because of ties to the military community. My husband is a retired Marine. It is a significant issue to admit or discuss PTSD or any other mental/emotional issue for everyone, but I think it is even harder for men. My husband waited almost 14 years after retiring from the military before he had a "wellness" appointment, which only happened because he got a relatively minor injury for which he needed a referral from his primary care manager. He didn't even know who to see. Just hard-headed, I suppose.
I think in the world today, as people continue to age, discussing health issues becomes a liability to an ageist mentality where employers are trying to push older workers out of the market. People are scared to be seen for health-related issues, lest it become a mark on their "chart" somewhere. They are afraid that it will be a "pre-existing condition" and maybe they will lose insurance. To older generations, where there is still a "male as provider" mentality, they worry about losing a job, their insurance, and their means to support a family.
They worry about admitting to themselves that something may be wrong, but if they can just forge ahead, they can get in front of it and outrun it.
I think it's good that there are forums like "WhatNext" where people can "discuss" things with some anonymity.
When a woman announces she has breast cancer, the whole world shows up with pink stuff and rallies around her, takes her out for a night out to help her "forget her troubles." A guy comes up with breast cancer, testicular cancer, prostate cancer- there is no "Hey let's get the guys together and go out for a beer to discuss our manhood." That would be an awkward night of axe-throwing, darts, beer and scotch, maybe tequila shots, discussing everything BUT the cancer.
I think we have to let men know that there is someone in their corner, somewhere they CAN go to talk or at least read up and realize that they are not the only one fighting whatever issue.