When we think about "Men's Health" our thoughts might go to Movember, and prostate cancer or testicular cancer, or even heart disease. It doesn't always go straight to mental health, even though the first three letters are M-E-N...
So in this episode, I'm talking with Maj Robert Reid, Psychiatrist/Flight Surgeon and Mental Health Clinical Lead here at CFB Edmonton, and we're unpacking men's mental health, in the context of the human condition and the way we have all been conditioned to believe certain things about how we should all be. This is particularly true when it comes to that thorny topic of what it means to be a man, and what it looks like to go through life either meeting that stereotype or fighting back against it, and how both have an impact on mental health.
Men's health is in trouble. While most research does exist based predominantly of men - whether regarding heart health or suicide - the reality is that more men still die by suicide at a rate of almost 3 to 1 and so we know that men remain at higher risk. Why that is multifactorial, but we need to get to the bottom of it so that they can get the help that they need to be healthy and able to meet the many, many challenges that the world is constantly throwing their way. In a way that isn't toxic, doesn't undermine their personal autonomy and isn't viewed as being in competition with women's health - of any kind. When we take care of the men - everyone benefits...so hopefully this conversation will encourage you to do the things that you can, to help you be the best version of yourself OR be there to support others in their journey.
Here are the links that were mentioned if you are interested in learning more about how we came to be subject to these gender roles and maybe start to think about how we can push back against them.
Challenge Cognitive Distortions
Gender Roles and Depression Risk
The Real Face of Men's Health Report
