19/11/2025
It can be hard to talk, and find space to unpack the traumas, fears and diagnosis. Often because they are trying to be 'strong'.
It is a narrative shared across many areas, the need for men to be 'strong'. To hold it together. To not show or talk about anxiety. Some do, but on balance we see more women openly talking than men.
Gareth is someone who works (quite happily) in the background, so I hope he will forgive me for shining a light on him today. Not only is he my hubby, and the first person who normally hears me say 'I've had an idea....'... or 'I've been thinking...', but he manages our practice.
What you may not know is that he is also a huge support to the men and boys we see in clinic.
•The dads and carers who are trying hard to support their partner, and/or their child, trying to be calm and strong, and often struggling with their own emotions underneath.
•The teens who are trying to be a little more independent, and often crave a little normality but instead they have another medical visit, which may also involve anxiety inducing tests or challenges.
•The grown adults who have a life's worth of experience with their own allergies and find going to the pub or a sports game much easier than seeking out and sitting in a therapy session.
We see you.
Gareth is often to be found giving time and space in the waiting area, on hand to chat allergy life, treatments or just chat about highland cows, local animal life, sports, and anything in between. He will join in games with the toys, or he'll respectfully leave you with your own thoughts. Whatever you need to help you.
It's International Men's Day, so I wanted to take the opportunity to shine a light on my partner in life, and at our family run clinic. Gareth. And to also remember the ones who may often be quietly dealing with allergy life, but shouldering a lot. It's not exclusive to certain circumstances, but today dads, stepdads, sons, we see you, and you are not alone.
#
