MUDHI ALOBTHANI (ABU DHABI)
As Men’s Health Awareness Month draws to a close, health professionals in Abu Dhabi are encouraging families to keep the conversation going throughout the year by making routine care, emotional openness and early support part of everyday life.
Rather than treating men’s health as a once-a-year topic, doctors say regular check-ups, healthier habits and honest conversations can help men stay active, connected and present in family life.
According to Dr Saad Kamil, Specialist Family Medicine at Medeor Hospital Abu Dhabi, many of the most common conditions affecting men can develop quietly, often before any clear symptoms appear.
“The most common health concerns affecting men in the region include obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, fatty liver disease, and smoking-related conditions,” he told Aletihad.
“Many of these illnesses progress quietly in the early stages and may not cause obvious symptoms.”
Men who seek medical advice early are better placed to manage these conditions before complications develop, Dr Kamil explained. Early screening and timely care can therefore make a major difference to long-term health and reduce the strain that untreated illness may place on their families.
“When men neglect their health, it can affect their ability to work, provide for their families, and stay actively involved in daily family life,” he said.
“Chronic illnesses can place emotional, physical, and financial pressure on the entire household.”
Dr Kamil also pointed to the close relationship between physical and mental wellbeing. Long-term illness can increase stress and anxiety, while emotional pressure can disrupt sleep, affect daily routines and make it harder to follow treatment plans.
This remains a growing concern among men, with rising levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout linked to modern lifestyle pressures.
The World Health Organisation reports that men are less likely than women to seek support for mental health concerns, with self-reliance, difficulty expressing emotions and expectations of emotional control among the main barriers.
Dr Amir Javaid, Consultant Psychiatrist and Director of Psychiatry and Intellectual Disorders at Burjeel Medical City, said that, although public understanding had improved, men still find it difficult to speak about emotional distress.
“We are seeing increasing rates of stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout. While awareness has improved and stigma is gradually decreasing, many men continue to struggle in silence,” he told Aletihad.
Dr Javaid explained that some men hesitate to seek help because of societal expectations that associate masculinity with self-reliance and emotional control.
“As a result, psychological distress is often minimised, ignored, or expressed through irritability, withdrawal, or physical symptoms rather than open discussion,” he added.
According Dr Javaid, untreated emotional distress could affect communication, relationships and day-to-day family responsibilities.
“Emotional distress may reduce a person's ability to communicate effectively, manage conflict, remain emotionally available, or participate fully in family responsibilities,” he said.
“This can lead to misunderstandings, strained relationships, and increased stress for partners and children.”
Both doctors agreed that families play an important role in improving outcomes for men by creating a home environment where they feel able to talk openly without fear of judgment.
They explained that simple steps such as asking how someone is feeling, encouraging routine screenings and making time for shared activities can help men feel supported rather than isolated.