As the month of November draws to a close, there has been plenty of discussion about men’s health as awareness raising events such as Movember and International Men’s Day took place. This focus on men’s issues can often make for rather gloomy reading, particularly the alarming male suicide statisics.
However, it seems that there is some encouraging news from the younger male generation: Aviva Health reports that over three quarters (76 per cent) of men would feel willing and able to speak to someone about their mental health. They are also engaging with support services more often, rather than taking medication such as antidepressants.
Younger men are more willing to seek help online
The survey found that men aged 16-27 years were more likely to use online digital support services such as chat forums or virtual talking therapies than older generations. They were also more comfortable with the idea and take up of ‘social prescribing’, which is a means of meeting social and emotional needs through connecting individuals to groups and activities.
Commenting on the research, Dr Doug Wright, Medical Director, Aviva UK Health, said: “Over the past few years, much work has been done to help people recognise that mental health is as important as physical health.”
He added: “It’s likely that this change in attitude is helping to drive the positive trends we’re seeing from the younger generations taking part in our research.”
“It’s encouraging that men are becoming more open to talking about their mental health. This is a positive step which will help enable a preventative approach to mental ill-health and give more people the confidence to seek help when they need it.
“However, it’s not only attitudes which have changed in recent years. Digital healthcare has helped transform the way that mental health support can be delivered as well as enabled easier access to support.”
“There’s also now a recognition that mental health can benefit from a holistic approach that treats the root cause of the problem as well as helping the individual put in place support to aid their future wellbeing. It’s encouraging to see that the younger generations are actively engaging with this support.”
Health issues faced by younger men
Although mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety and depression, can disproportionately affect younger men, they can be at risk of other health issues, often resulting from poor diet and lifestyle choices.
Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in males aged 15 to 35. Thankfully it’s a rare form of cancer, and if detected early it’s usually very treatable. Young men are encouraged to carry out regular self-examination to check for signs and symptoms, and to put aside any discomfort and seek medical advice promptly for any abnormalities.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a problem that is most often associated with older men, but it can affect younger men as well. This may be because younger men are more willing and confident to discuss the issue. However, ED in younger men is often caused by mental or emotional health problems and/or lifestyle choices.
The 20s and 30s can be a time of intense pressure for men, as they embark on careers and raising a family. Younger men may also have unrealistic expectations about sexual performance due to watching porn, or have anxieties around body image due to unobtainable standards that are often shown in films or on social media.
There is also a rising trend of obesity and related conditions such as diabetes and hormonal imbalances among younger generations, which are known contributors to ED. Excessive use of alcohol and recreational drugs can also contribute to ED.
What can younger men do about ED?
The good news is that ED is treatable, and in younger men it can often be improved with a few lifestyle changes. If stress or depression has been identified as the cause, then the individual may benefit from professional counselling to help them pinpoint the triggers and develop coping strategies.
Adopting a healthier lifestyle, including regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, limiting alcohol intake and avoiding smoking can also help to improve sexual function. In some cases, a medical check up may be necessary to rule out any serious underlying causes.
In some cases, a doctor may recommend the use of medical treatments such as Viagra, which is now widely available to buy cheaply under the generic name sildenafil.
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