Breaking the Silence on International Men’s Day

Today, as we mark International Men’s Day, it’s worth pausing to reflect on an uncomfortable but unfortunate reality: many men continue to suffer in silence. The way masculinity is defined in society still acts as a powerful barrier to seeking help; especially when it comes to health. Men’s physical and mental health are suffering because of outdated expectations of masculinity. It’s time to break the cycle of suffering and speak up about men’s health.

The Cost of ‘Toughing It Out’

Ideas about how masculinity should look are deep-rooted in Western society; ‘be strong’, ‘just get on with it’, ‘man up’, all sound like familiar phrases which shape how many men view their own health. Encouraging emotional suppression and delaying men seeking advice or help when it comes to serious health issues.

Studies have found that a quarter of men will avoid going to speak to a GP even when they know something is wrong. The reasons are complex, but the consequences are serious. Delayed diagnosis, untreated mental health concerns, and worsening physical conditions are sadly all too common. All for the price of ‘manning-up’.

Why Men Find Health Conversations So Hard

There are a few interlinked reasons:

Emotional Suppression

From a young age, many boys are taught that showing emotions is a sign of weakness. This message discourages vulnerability and makes it harder for men to reach out when they’re struggling.

Embarrassment Around Personal Health

Topics like erectile dysfunction, hair loss, weight changes are all deeply personal. Men may worry about being judged or seen as less ‘masculine’ simply because of symptoms often beyond their control.

Stigma Around Mental Health

Mental health issues remain shrouded in shame. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and burnout are too often dismissed or internalised. Yet, these emotional struggles can also contribute to or worsen physical health symptoms. A key cause for conditions such as erectile dysfunction, or hair loss.

We Need to Redefine Strength

Strength doesn’t mean silence. Real strength means looking after yourself, emotionally and physically. Own your wellbeing, take control of your health. Open up about what’s going on inside your head, this could be the bravest step you take. It doesn’t make you any less of a man; it makes you human.

Take action when you know something is wrong. Whether making that GP appointment, monitoring your own health with self-testing kits, or reaching out for mental health support; these steps take great strength to set your improving health into motion.

What Can You Do? Today and Beyond

Use today as a stepping off point to shape a better, healthier future. Change the way we speak about men’s health and break down the barriers of mental health.

The Bottom Line

Men’s health isn’t just a ‘men’s issue’; it’s a societal issue. When men suffer, families, workplaces, and communities feel the impact. This Men’s Day, let’s challenge outdated norms, encourage meaningful conversations, and help men reclaim their health.

Services like discreet online pharmacies help men get medical advice and treatment without the fear or discomfort of face-to-face shame.