You may notice more facial hair than usual the next time you come into a CBHA Clinic. Our staff has answered the call to raise awareness about men’s health issues through the month of November. No-Shave November is a fun movement that calls attention to men’s-specific health issues.

“We men, by nature, are less apt to take care of ourselves than women,” John Beauchamp, PA-C, said. “In November, men are encouraged to grow out their beards to increase awareness about prostate cancer and a number of health issues that impact men including depression and physical inactivity. Each week this month we’ll focus on a different topic. Men’s mental health is this week.”

Nurse Practitioner Michelle Taylor joined the CBHA medical team in July of this year. Michelle is certified in family Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice (PMHNP). Her training focused specifically on managing various stressors that cause difficulty in life. Taylor indicates that short-term mood ups and downs are normal. It’s when people start having long-term problems in one or more areas that the stress mounts.

Common causes of stress include work, unemployment, money, bereavement, and other occurrences such as moving, splitting up with a partner, changing jobs or children leaving home. Family issues cause enormous stress and greatly affect health and mood. This sometimes results in drinking, drug-use, and other addictions. Add to that list external factors, such as sex and sexuality trouble, bad weather, and being on the receiving end of violence.

“People may react by getting out of a situation,” Taylor said. “Sometimes that might help. However, continually changing jobs, partners, or moving only adds to the problem.”

The incidence of mental illness in women is actually higher than in men. But men are significantly more likely to take their lives; nearly four times the rate of women. Suicide is highest for middle aged single men (age 40-60) and older single men (70+), and is the second leading cause of death in people from ages 10 to 34. Risk factors for suicide vary by age, gender, and ethnic groups. Factors often occur in combinations.

“Women are more likely to seek treatment for mental health issues than men,” Taylor said. “Men may have a tendency to view seeking help as a sign of weakness. In reality, it is just the opposite. It takes a great deal of strength.”

Taylor and Beauchamp stressed that no referral is needed. “Just call CBHA at 509-488-5256 to make an appointment. We’ll work with you to help you return to the life you want to lead.”