Prioritizing Men’s Mental Health this “Movember”

As we observe “Movember,” a time dedicated to raising awareness about men’s health, it’s crucial to address a silent epidemic—men’s mental health. While physical health often takes the spotlight, men’s mental well-being remains underrecognized, contributing to high rates of suicide, substance use, and untreated depression and anxiety. As providers, you are uniquely positioned to help bridge this gap and foster a culture of proactive mental health care.

Why Men’s Mental Health Matters: Cultural expectations of stoicism and self-reliance often discourage men from seeking help. This leads to:

• Underdiagnosis: Symptoms may appear like irritability, anger, fatigue, or sleep issues rather than sadness.
• Delayed treatment: Many men seek help only during crises.
• Higher suicide rates: Men, especially older men, die by suicide at significantly higher rates.
• Physical health impact: Untreated mental health conditions worsen chronic illnesses and overall quality of life.

Integrating Mental Health into Routine Care

Every visit is an opportunity to normalize conversations about emotional well-being. Consider these strategies:

1. Ask openly: Use gentle, open-ended questions such as “How are you coping with stress lately?” or “Have you noticed changes in your mood or sleep?”
2. Screen regularly: Use evidence-based screening tools. Highmark Wholecare offers several behavioral health provider guides to assist in screening patients for certain conditions.
3. Validate and normalize: Reinforce that seeking help is a sign of strength and that effective treatment is available.
4. Address lifestyle factors: Discuss sleep, exercise, nutrition, and social connections as entry points for deeper conversations.
5. Recognize co-occurring conditions: Be mindful of overlaps between mental health, substance use, and chronic medical conditions. Highmark Wholecare offers chronic conditions toolkits which are located on the Provider Resource Center.
6. Facilitate referrals: Provide next steps and support for connecting patients to behavioral health or virtual care options. Highmark Wholecare’s Care Managers can assist members in accessing behavioral health care.

• Medicaid Member Contact Information: 1-800-392-1147 TDD/TTY 711
• Medicare Assured Member Contact Information: 1-800-685-5209 TTD/TTY 711

Highmark’s Commitment to Integrated Care:

Highmark remains dedicated to integrated, whole-person care, offering tools and resources that empower providers to address both mental and physical health. This “Movember,” and all year long, your engagement is vital in helping men live healthier, happier, and more resilient lives.