Are you the strong, silent type? It’s OK to speak up about men’s health!
By Kristen Szymonik, BS, RRT, AE-C
When was the last time you saw your health care provider? Do you remember? Some men avoid seeing their health care providers. This can happen for many reasons. I know one man who told me, “I was healthy for 15 years, and then I went to the doctor, and they found some things!” But is it possible that those health conditions were there all along, and he just finally learned about them all those years later? And if they had been caught early, they might not have been as severe. Preventing illness is an important part of health care. When we go for regular checkups, we can find early signs of problems before they become bothersome.
The same goes for mental health. Many people think that mental health is literally “all in your head.” That’s not true! Mental health is just as important as physical health. In fact, your mental health is directly related to your physical health.1,2 Have you ever been so nervous that you felt nauseated or started sweating? That’s a physical reaction to your feelings of nervousness. Here are some other mental health symptoms:1-3
- Changes in your sleep patterns
- Trouble focusing on tasks
- Eating more or less than usual
- Feeling distracted, frustrated, or sad
Many people with chronic health conditions, like COPD, can feel upset, anxious, depressed, or nervous about their condition. Our Coping with COPD guide offers many healthy ways to relieve your mental health symptoms. You can:3
- Talk to a friend or family member
- Do a favorite hobby or sport*
Everyone feels nervous, sad, or afraid sometimes. But if your feelings become overwhelming, it may be time to see a mental health expert. If you don’t know one, your health care provider can refer you to one in your area.1 They can offer you tools like talk therapy, relaxation exercises, and even medication, if needed. There is no shame in asking for help. If you sprained your ankle, wouldn’t you get it checked out? If you feel that your mental health is a struggle, it’s time to ask for help.
And it is also important to know that some health conditions are more common in men than in women. For example, some studies showed that men are more likely to have certain types of pneumonia (an infection of the air sacs in your lungs) than women. You can learn more about how to stay healthy and avoid infection in our pneumonia flyer.
What are your best tips for staying healthy physically and mentally? Share them below and let’s learn from each other!
*Before starting any new activity or exercise, be sure to speak with your health care provider.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health. Men and mental health. National Institute of Mental Health website. Published May 2024. Accessed May 30, 2025. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health
- Mayo Clinic. Male depression: Understanding the issues. Mayo Clinic website. Published February 13, 2024. Accessed May 30, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/male-depression/art-20046216
- Cleveland Clinic. Men’s mental health: 11 tips for taking care of your whole self. Cleveland Clinic website. Published May 23, 2024. Accessed May 30, 2025. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/tips-for-taking...