Man to Man

A Mental Health Discussion with Joe Galaske, PA

Men’s mental health is starting to receive some overdue attention, yet stigma and misunderstanding continue to keep many men from seeking the support they need. Boone Health Primary Care Physician Assistant Joe Galaske said the first step in improving your mental health is awareness—both for men and for the people who love them.

Galaske shares the warning signs families should watch for, the role primary care plays in mental health, and what every man should know, whether they’ve experienced mental health issues on and off for years, or if they are experiencing them for the first time.

Early Warning Signs

According to Galaske, the symptoms men experience often mirror those of anyone facing mental health challenges—but they’re frequently easier to dismiss or overlook.

“Early signs often involve a loss of interest in doing things like participating in a friend group or a hobby they enjoy,” he explains. “You might notice they’re more withdrawn or not doing things they typically like to do for fun. For example, if someone is an avid fisherman and no longer has a desire to go fishing anymore –that may be a sign something is off.”

Changes in mood and daily habits are the earliest indicators. Feeling down, sad, or less motivated can gradually progress if unaddressed. Sometimes these changes follow obvious stressors—a death in the family, work challenges, relationship problems—but not always. It’s important that, even with the obvious stressors, men have an outlet to talk through how those events might be impacting their mental health.

At Boone Health, Galaske is helping men recognize the signs and feel comfortable discussing them. “It makes me happy when someone takes a proactive approach and reaches out to me to discuss what they’re feeling.”

The Front Line of Primary Care

Galaske emphasizes that primary care is often the front line for anyone who is struggling.

“We’re the first call for someone who thinks they need to discuss their mental health or need help,” he said. “When someone comes into my office and shares their mental health concerns, I will discuss options with them including potential medications, but also lifestyle changes like exercise, diet, and sleep schedule, as well as resources for therapy or counseling.”

One misconception he addresses often is the notion that seeking help means taking medication long-term.

“There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach,” Galaske said. “The art of medicine includes building rapport and trust with your primary care provider and discussing different options. Some people may decide against medication options, while medication can be a lifesaving measure for someone else. Working closely with a primary care provider allows for a team-based, individualized approach.”

Most Common Mental Health Concerns in Men

The mental health issues men most frequently bring to primary care include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic attacks and panic disorder

What troubles Galaske most is when men wait until they’re in crisis because they believed asking for help was a sign of weakness.

“It’s unfortunate to hear when someone has been hesitant to reach out sooner because they thought they needed to ‘suck it up,’” he said. “Acknowledging when you are struggling with your mental health is not a weakness. Mental health care is health care—no different than any other health issue you would seek treatment for. If your arm is really bothering you, and you can’t really function as well anymore, and you avoid doing certain tasks because it hurts to do them with that arm – you would go to the doctor to find out what’s going on and how to get better! Mental health is no different – it’s just not as visible.”

Helping men move past that mindset, he said, is one of the most rewarding parts of his work.

“It’s so rewarding when someone finally talks about what they’re going through, and we can build trust, develop a management plan, and get them back to who they want to be.”

“Whether you’ve been treated for mental health concerns before or you haven’t, we can get you on a path to feeling better.”

Lifestyle Changes That Make a Difference

While treatment plans vary from person to person, Galaske said certain lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve mental health:

• A well-balanced diet (fruits, veggies, whole grains, and protein)
• A regular sleep schedule (target 7–9 hours a night)
• Regular exercise and physical activity
• Daily sunlight exposure and spending time outside when feasible

“Tackling these lifestyle changes can help someone’s mental health substantially,” he explains. “Most of us have areas we can improve, and our mental health is often linked to our physical wellbeing.”

By Hannah Wichern

To schedule an appointment with the Boone Health Primary Care – Nifong, call 573-815-6640. If you need a primary care physician, visit boone.health/provider-directory.