Closing the Empathy Gap in Men’s Health | Beaconsfield GP
By Dr Tejal Parekh, GP at Mayfield Clinic in Beaconsfield
Movember 2025 centres on Closing the Empathy Gap in men’s health. We face a disconnect between the support men need and what health services deliver. Encouraging honest conversations, emotional awareness and stronger social connections can improve both physical and mental health outcomes for men.
Recent surveys show men still underuse preventative health services. Many decline routine health checks. Primary care analysis reveals men make fewer GP appointments and are less likely to self refer for mental health support than women. UK data highlights men’s disproportionate risk across mental and physical health.
Suicide risks in men have increased to 17.6 per 100 000 over the last 12 months according to the Office of National Statistics. The peak age is middle aged men between 50 and 54 years old. A 2025 survey found 50 per cent of men would see a GP if they experienced mental health issues and only 20 per cent would self refer to talking therapies.
Access routine health checks before illness becomes serious. You can use your NHS GP if aged 40 to 74 years or visit a private GP at Mayfield Clinic in Beaconsfield for annual medicals including prostate and testicular examination. Early detection can save lives.
Speak up. It is OK to say I need help. If NHS talking therapies are not for you, peer and social support do wonders for your mental health and help normalise common conditions.
Stay active and eat well. This Movember consider setting a goal of 60 kilometres — one kilometre for each man lost to suicide every hour worldwide.
Know your family history. Genetics play a significant role in conditions such as cancer, dementia, schizophrenia and clinical depression. Seek advice from your GP sooner as preventative measures can reduce your risk.
Middle aged single men aged 50 to 54 are at highest risk. In the consulting room I often hear 'My wife made me book the appointment.' It is promising to have a supportive partner but please seek help sooner. Do not suffer in silence.
The biggest misconception is that seeking help is a form of weakness. Prostate cancer, testicular cancer and poor mental health kill lives. Early detection, open dialogue and preventative measures save lives.
We need more empathy, more conversations and more support #ClosingTheEmpathyGap #MensHealth #Movember
Book an appointment at Mayfield Clinic in Beaconsfield today.
Men often underuse preventative services due to stigma and misconceptions. They make fewer GP appointments and are less likely to self refer for mental health support compared to women.
Men aged 50 to 54, especially if single, face the highest suicide risk at 17.6 per 100 000. This group should prioritise routine checks and open conversations.
Begin with routine health assessments at your NHS GP if aged 40 to 74 or at a private GP service like Mayfield Clinic in Beaconsfield. Talk to peers or consider talking therapies to normalise seeking help.
Become a Mayfield Clinic member and get direct access to experienced general practitioners
3rd Floor Mayfield House
256 Banbury Road
Oxford
OX2 7DE
