When you think about health, what comes to mind? Diet, exercise, maybe sleep. But mental well being is just as important, especially for men. And yet, men’s mental health is a topic that’s often left in the dark.
At Premier Family Medical, we believe that needs to change.
That’s why we’re talking openly during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month and year-round. We’re also proud to partner with evolvedMD, helping bring more mental health services to our community through primary care. Our goal is simple: make it easier for men to get the support they need without shame or stigma.
Let’s talk about why men’s mental health awareness is important, what signs to look for, and how to find the right kind of help.
Men Face Real Mental Health Challenges
Here’s the truth: men experience mental health problems just like women do. But they’re much less likely to talk about it or get help.
Why?
Because of outdated ideas like “men don’t cry,” “suck it up,” or “just man up.” These societal expectations tell men that asking for help is a sign of weakness. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Taking care of your mental health is a sign of strength. It means you’re looking out for yourself and your loved ones.
Yet the numbers paint a clear picture:
- According to the NIH, nearly one in ten men experience depression or anxiety.
- Suicide rates are four times higher in men than women.
- Men are also more likely to turn to substance abuse instead of seeking mental health treatment.
Clearly, we need to do better.
What Mental Health Issues Look Like in Men
Mental illness doesn’t always look the same in men as it does in women. That’s why it’s easy to miss the symptoms of mental health conditions.
Many men don’t say “I’m feeling anxious” or “I’m depressed.” Instead, they might:
- Withdraw from friends and family
- Work excessively
- Engage in risky behavior
- Have trouble sleeping
- Experience digestive problems or other physical symptoms
- Use alcohol or drugs to cope
- Seem irritable or angry all the time
- Have suicidal thoughts
These are real warning signs. And they need to be taken seriously.
Sometimes, mental health disorders like bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can hide behind a mask of anger or silence. That’s why awareness is so important.
The Cost of Ignoring Mental Health
Left untreated, mental health problems can damage every part of a person’s life. Relationships suffer. Work performance drops. Physical health declines. And in the worst cases, untreated mental illness can lead to suicide.
But when men get the mental health care they need, everything can improve:
- Better mood
- Stronger relationships
- More energy
- Better sleep
- Improved quality of life
Mental health isn’t a side issue—it’s a central part of total well being.
Making Mental Health Support Easier to Access
At Premier Family Medical, we know that mental health care can’t be one-size-fits-all or something you only deal with after a crisis. That’s why we’ve partnered with evolvedMD, a leader in integrating behavioral health into everyday healthcare.
So, what does that mean for you?
It means that during a regular checkup with your primary care provider, you can also meet with a trained mental health professional, right there in the same office.
No referrals. No long waitlists. No bouncing between clinics. Just real, compassionate mental health support when and where you need it most.
Here’s what this partnership makes possible:
- Early detection of mental health conditions
- Support for mental health challenges like stress, anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts
- Personalized mental health treatment plans that fit your lifestyle
- Direct access to a behavioral health provider within our clinic
- Better coordination between your doctor and your mental health specialist
This model puts your well being at the center of care.
It also helps remove the stigma around asking for help. If talking to a mental health expert is as easy as talking to your regular doctor, more people will do it and lives will change for the better.
If you’re dealing with symptoms of mental health issues, struggling with risky behavior, or just feeling off, our evolvedMD providers are here to listen. No judgment. No pressure. Just support.
Together, Premier Family Medical and evolvedMD are making sure mental health care is part of whole person care because your mind matters just as much as your body.
How to Get Help: Mental Health Resources for Men
If you or a family member is struggling, here are some steps you can take:
1. Talk to a Provider
Start with your primary care provider. At Premier Family Medical, our team works hand in hand with mental health professionals to spot early signs and connect you to mental health resources.
2. Reach Out to a Mental Health Professional
Therapists, counselors, and psychologists can help you work through mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or PTSD. You don’t have to go it alone.
3. Join a Support Group
There are many support groups just for men—both online and in person. Sharing your story can be healing. Listening to others can help you feel less alone.
4. Take Care of Your Body and Mind
Self care isn’t selfish. Exercise, sleep, good food, and time outside can all help your mental well-being. It’s okay to slow down and check in with yourself.
5. Know the Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is in crisis, don’t wait. Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also reach out to your doctor or a trusted healthcare professional right away.
Let’s Change the Conversation Together
Mental health doesn’t discriminate. It affects men of every age, background, and income level. You might be a husband, father, son, coworker, or friend but you’re also human.
And humans struggle. But there is help. And there is hope.
Let’s make men’s mental health part of every conversation. Not just in June during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, but all year long.
At Premier Family Medical, we’re here to support you with compassion, connection, and real solutions.
Visit our website to schedule an appointment with a provider today. You’re not alone. And you never have to “man up” to get help. Because mental health matters—for men, for families, for everyone.
