Nov. 20. World Men’s Health Day: A Personal Reflection.

World Men’s Health Day serves as a stark reminder of the urgent, multifaceted challenges men face in maintaining their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Despite significant societal progress in addressing various health inequities, the focus on men’s health has often been overshadowed by other equally valid yet more visible health campaigns. This oversight has led to a silent epidemic of physical and mental health challenges among men, demanding immediate attention and a recalibration of focus to ensure equitable health outcomes for both sexes.

The State of Men’s Health: A Global Perspective

Men’s health is a global concern, as evidenced by statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO). Men are more likely than women to die prematurely from non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, and diabetes. For instance, heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men worldwide, with higher mortality rates compared to women. In Europe alone, 49% of male deaths are attributed to cardiovascular conditions, a figure significantly higher than for females in the same demographic.

Adding to this burden, men are less likely to use preventative healthcare services. Research published in The Lancet indicates that men attend general practitioners’ appointments at significantly lower rates than women, often delaying medical intervention until conditions reach advanced stages. This behaviour stems not only from cultural norms, which associate masculinity with stoicism but also from systemic barriers, such as a lack of male-focused healthcare initiatives.

Mental Health: A Growing Concern

Global mental health statistics paint a concerning picture, particularly in terms of suicide rates among men. Data from the WHO shows that men account for approximately 75% of suicides in many countries, including the UK, Australia, and Russia. These figures are often attributed to societal pressures that discourage men from expressing vulnerability or seeking help for emotional distress. The traditional constructs of masculinity, which prize self-reliance and emotional control, exacerbate feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety.

One striking example is Japan, where societal expectations of work ethic and success contribute to high levels of stress and a phenomenon known as *karoshi*—death from overwork. Men in Japan often suppress mental health struggles to conform to societal ideals, resulting in devastating personal and familial consequences. Similarly, in sub-Saharan Africa, systemic factors such as economic instability, underemployment, and political unrest disproportionately affect men’s mental health. Research highlights that men in this region are increasingly vulnerable to substance abuse and violence, often as a coping mechanism against chronic stressors. A study published in *PLOS ONE* attributes the prevalence of mental health disorders in West and Central Africa to widespread socio-economic challenges, including poverty and unemployment, which significantly impact men’s well-being.

Relationships and the Burden of Assumptions

The neglect of men’s well-being extends beyond healthcare into relationships and societal expectations. In my personal experience, I have become acutely aware of how, in the context of relationship breakdowns, blame is often disproportionately placed on the man. This assumption, perhaps rooted in historical power dynamics, fails to consider the complexities of human relationships. Relationships rarely fail because of a single factor or person; they unravel due to a convergence of unmet needs, miscommunications, and incompatible growth.

Yet, I have often found myself in the unenviable position of defending and explaining my actions in the face of these assumptions. Trying to contextualise reality to people who are quick to judge and slow to listen is exhausting and ultimately futile. Conversations about relational breakdowns, filtered through the lens of societal biases, tend to oversimplify reality, reducing intricate dynamics to straightforward narratives of fault and failure.

This realisation—that I am neither obligated to explain myself nor responsible for others’ ignorance—has been liberating. I have chosen to step away from such discussions, prioritising my peace and well-being over validating those unwilling to engage with complexity. There is freedom in accepting that some individuals will remain comfortable with their misconceptions, and their misunderstanding need not define my truth.

Physical Well-being: Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Lifestyle factors often compound men’s physical health challenges. The prevalence of obesity, poor nutrition, and sedentary lifestyles among men has risen sharply. In high-income nations, men are more likely to consume unhealthy diets rich in processed foods, while in low-income regions, food insecurity and malnutrition disproportionately affect male populations. The rise of sedentary occupations and decreased physical activity also contribute to the global obesity epidemic.

Environmental factors further exacerbate these health challenges. Men in industrialised and developing nations are frequently exposed to hazardous working conditions, such as mining, construction, and agriculture. Prolonged exposure to pollutants, chemicals, and physical strain diminishes life expectancy and increases the risk of chronic illnesses such as cancer and respiratory diseases.

Why Re-Centring the Pendulum Matters

Efforts to address these disparities must strike a balance, ensuring that health initiatives benefit both sexes equitably. Historically, the focus on men’s health has been limited, arguably due to a misperception that men already hold societal privileges. While sex-based privilege remains an important issue, it should not obscure the unique health challenges faced by men. Neglecting men’s health not only undermines individual well-being but also erodes societal progress as a whole, affecting families, workplaces, and communities.

A re-centring of the pendulum towards holistic health equity requires evidence-based interventions and cultural shifts. Education campaigns targeting men’s mental health, such as the “Movember” movement, have shown promise in destigmatising conversations around mental well-being. However, more systemic efforts are needed, including workplace policies that promote work-life balance, accessible healthcare services tailored for men, and community outreach programmes addressing the social determinants of health.

Moving Forward: A Call to Action

Global trends suggest that improving men’s health is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity. Investments in preventative care, mental health services, and lifestyle interventions could yield significant societal benefits, reducing healthcare costs and improving overall productivity. For instance, studies in Scandinavia demonstrate that workplace wellness programmes targeting men significantly decrease absenteeism and improve morale, underscoring the value of proactive health management.

Furthermore, fostering open dialogues about masculinity and vulnerability is not just a suggestion, but a crucial step that could transform cultural perceptions of health-seeking behaviours. Schools, workplaces, and community organisations must play a central role in redefining health norms, encouraging men to view self-care not as a weakness but as a strength.

Concluding Thoughts.

World Men’s Health Day is an opportunity to reflect on the gaps in men’s healthcare and advocate for solutions that address these disparities. Beyond this, it is a reminder of the assumptions and pressures men face in their relationships, workplaces, and communities. By confronting the stigma surrounding men’s physical and mental health, promoting preventative care, and fostering supportive environments, we can ensure that health equity extends to all members of society.

The pendulum must indeed be re-centred—not to privilege men over women, but to create a balanced, inclusive approach to health and relationships that benefits everyone. Let those who cling to oversimplified narratives live in ignorance; for men seeking growth, health, and truth, there is strength and peace to be found in understanding and embracing their complexities. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Health cannot be a question of income; it is a fundamental human right.” It is time this principle is applied to all aspects of men’s lives, recognising that their well-being is not marginal but integral to collective progress.

世界男性健康デーは、男性が身体的、精神的、感情的な健康を維持する上で直面する多面的な課題の緊急性を改めて認識させる重要な機会です。様々な健康格差に対処するための社会的進歩が見られる一方で、男性の健康に対する焦点は、他の同様に重要ではあるが目立ちやすい健康キャンペーンによってしばしば影を潜めています。この見落としは、男性における身体的および精神的健康問題の静かな流行を引き起こし、直ちに注意を払い、両性に公平な健康結果を確保するための焦点の再調整を求めています。

男性健康の現状：世界的視点

男性の健康は、世界保健機関（WHO）の統計により明らかにされるように、世界的な課題です。男性は、心血管疾患、呼吸器疾患、糖尿病などの非感染性疾患によって女性よりも早く亡くなる可能性が高いです。例えば、心臓病は世界中で男性の主要な死因であり、女性よりも死亡率が高いことが知られています。ヨーロッパでは、男性の死亡の49%が心血管疾患によるものであり、この割合は女性と比較して著しく高い数字です。

さらに、男性は予防医療サービスを利用する可能性が低い傾向があります。*The Lancet*に掲載された研究によると、男性は女性よりも一般医の診察を受ける頻度が著しく低く、病状が進行するまで医療介入を遅らせることが多いとされています。この行動は、男性性を忍耐や自己完結性と結びつける文化的規範だけでなく、男性向け医療サービスの欠如などのシステム的な障壁にも起因しています。

精神的健康：深刻化する課題

男性の精神的健康についての統計は特に懸念を引き起こします。世界保健機関のデータによると、イギリス、オーストラリア、ロシアなど多くの国で、男性が自殺の約75%を占めています。この数字は、男性が感情的な困難を表現したり支援を求めることを抑制する社会的な圧力によるものとされています。自己完結性や感情の抑制を重視する伝統的な男性性の構造が、孤独感、抑うつ、不安感を悪化させる要因となっています。

日本では、社会的期待が男性に高いストレスを与えることが顕著であり、過労死（*karoshi*）と呼ばれる現象がその例です。日本の男性は、社会的理想に従うために精神的健康の問題を抑え込む傾向があり、個人および家族に壊滅的な結果をもたらすことがあります。同様に、サハラ以南のアフリカでは、経済的不安定、失業率の高さ、政治的不安定といった体系的要因が男性の精神的健康に不釣り合いな影響を与えています。*PLOS ONE*に掲載された研究は、西アフリカおよび中部アフリカでの精神的健康障害の蔓延が、貧困や失業などの広範な社会経済的課題に起因していることを示しています。

結論：再評価の必要性

世界男性健康デーは、男性の健康に関する課題を再評価し、これらの格差に対処する解決策を模索するための重要な機会です。また、これは男性が関係性、職場、そしてコミュニティの中で直面する仮定やプレッシャーを思い起こさせます。男性の身体的および精神的健康をめぐるスティグマに立ち向かい、予防的ケアを推進し、支援的な環境を育むことで、社会全体に健康の公平性が広がることを確保できます。

男性の健康が「周縁的な問題」ではなく、集団の進歩に不可欠な要素であることを認識する時が来ています。

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