![\"Dr.](\"https:\/\/www.faceitfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/feature-mac.jpg\")
In his 15 years as Professor and Head of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Macaran Baird championed integrating behavioral medicine with clinical care. And in a field that has been questioned for overprescribing the latest pill to be dropped off by a pharmaceutical representative, his views on the subject are unique.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always talked with residents about the need to consider alternatives to medication,\u201d Baird says. \u201cThat doesn\u2019t mean medication can\u2019t help. But I think there\u2019s an overreliance on medication and an underutilization of peer support and other types of talk therapy.\u201d<\/p>\n
That\u2019s where the Face It Foundation comes into play. Baird serves on the group\u2019s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board. In this role he plays an integral part in crafting and overseeing the foundation\u2019s peer support programs.<\/p>\n
One aspect of the Face It approach that Baird finds especially helpful is its reliance on group peer support over a traditional one-on-one model with a mental health practitioner.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnderstanding someone\u2019s story is key to helping them, and sometimes a professional might have a harder time listening to a person\u2019s story without jumping in with helpful hints, which aren\u2019t always all that helpful,\u201d Baird says. \u201cWhereas a peer might be the more appropriate person to listen without judgment as they\u2019re telling their story.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also appreciates that Face It fills an important need for a group that often gets little support. Many men face an uphill battle in their struggle due to a combination of their upbringing, societal expectations, or a general stigma surrounding mental health struggles.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cMen typically are less experienced compared to women and have a harder time reaching out for help,\u201d Baird says. \u201cWhen they\u2019re talking to peers rather than professionals, they often don\u2019t feel that embarrassment or shame.\u201d<\/p>\n
When he met Face It cofounder Mark Meier and heard the organization\u2019s story, he was convinced.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was very encouraged by what they were doing,\u201d Baird says. \u201cI believe in their general model of peer support with professional guidance.\u201d<\/p>\n