'I spent years being ashamed of myself and not speaking about it': Opening up about men's health

Men have long been too shy or too macho to talk about their health, whether mental or physical, or even see a doctor, but that is starting to change.

Sean Blake: “I even have my own social-media page, where I talk about how I’m doing. That’s something I would never have done before.” Picture: Moya Nolan.

When it comes to their health, Irish men have often taken their lead from the ostrich: Burying their head in the sand and suffering through either physical or mental pain, rather than going to their GP or even ‘troubling’ their friend with an issue.

Thankfully, things are changing. Men are now talking more to medical professionals and their friends. Increased awareness around mental health and physical wellbeing, along with campaigns targeting men’s health, seem to be making a difference.