17/11/2025
Research shows that men visit the GP far less than women. And while it might not seem like a big deal, the impact can be huge - delayed diagnoses, untreated health issues and even preventable deaths.
There is definitely one man in our family that is likely to still be here if he'd have visited the GP when he first noticed symptoms, rather than silently suffering for a couple of years and 'just getting on with it'.
So why do men hold back? Often it’s because of unconscious messages that have been passed down through the generations, 'be strong, be tough, handle it yourself.'
A lot of men feel they’re supposed to be the supporter, not the supported. Putting everyone else first, not wanting to be a burden.
The consequences can be life-changing. The stats speak for themselves - men are twice as likely to die from a heart attack before 65 and three times more likely to die by su***de than women. These aren’t just numbers - they’re real lives, families, and futures that are impacted.
So what can we do? How can we support the boys and men in our lives?
🩵Normalize talking about health - physical and mental. Ask how they’re feeling and listen without judgment.
🩵Encourage check-ups - it's best to be on the safe side and rule out anything serious. You are not wasting their time - this is what they're paid to do.
🩵Lead by example - if you take care of yourself, it gives permission for other men and boys to do the same.
If you are a dad to boys, it's important that you start to change the script of what being masculine means. Demonstrate self-care, let them see you upset from time to time, talk about how you feel and let them see that being a strong man can also include all of the above.
You don't have to wait to get help. Stop putting it off and make that appointment. You matter too 💙
