Silent Struggles: Why Men Must Start Talking About Their Health

At the end of August, a group of us met for a casual gathering. No agenda. Just a group of brothers coming together to catch up, share a meal, and talk life. What surprised me most was not what was planned but what came up.

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• We talked about blood pressure.

• We talked about stress.

• We talked about silent struggles with weight, fatigue, anxiety, and the pressure of carrying everything with a straight face.

These are conversations most men rarely have. Not because we do not care, but because we have not created space for honesty. And if we are being real, sometimes we do not even know how to say, "I'm not okay."

We are taught to keep moving. Push through. Grind. Provide. But somewhere in that hustle, our health becomes background noise. Until something breaks. A blood pressure spike. A panic attack. A missed diagnosis. A moment of burnout that we cannot bounce back from as quickly as we used to.

It does not have to be this way.

The Bible reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19 that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. That means our health is not a distraction from our calling. It is part of our stewardship. Taking care of our body is not weakness. It is wisdom.

When we neglect our health, we limit our impact. We shorten our reach. We preach legacy but risk not living long enough to walk in it.

But when we prioritize rest, nutrition, movement, emotional honesty, and regular checkups, we do not just extend our lives. We multiply our influence.

This is not a guilt trip. It is a wake-up call. A reminder that health is not about abs or aesthetics. It is about being present. Being available. Being alive enough to walk your daughter down the aisle. Coach your son’s team. Teach the next generation how to love their wives and serve their families.

So this month, ask a brother how he is doing. Really doing. Get your numbers checked. Talk to a counselor if you need to. Go for a walk. Drink water. Say no when you need rest.

Your life matters. Your health matters. And it is time we start treating it like it does.

Best wishes,

L.B.