According to the WHO, around 700,000 people in the world die by suicide yearly and men make up nearly half of those numbers.
Yet, men’s mental health continues to be overlooked and many men still suffer in silence. This is mainly due to the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. For too long, society has taught our men to suppress their emotions, and avoid seeking help, even when they are struggling. This has led to a situation where many men suffer from anxiety, depression, etc., but can’t speak up about their struggles.
If we really want to see more men speak out and receive the mental health support they need, then we must break this stigma.
So, in this article, our focus shall be on how we can reduce the stigma around men’s mental health, especially in Nigeria.
Causes of The Stigma Around Men’s Mental Health
Before we talk about how we can reduce stigma around men’s mental health in Nigeria, we need to know why this stigma exists.
Some of the causes are:
- ‘Men don’t cry’ Stereotype: This stereotype places a burden on men to hide their feelings or emotions. From a young age, men are taught to ‘be strong’ and not complain even when life gets tough. They are expected to stay silent and hold everything in at all times. As a result, many men end up suppressing their emotions for a long period of time. These eventually leads to stress, depression, self-harm, etc.
- ‘Asking for help as a man is a sign of weakness’ Beliefs: This assumption has caused many men to bottle their feelings and emotions at all costs. They refuse to talk about it or ask for support due to the fear of being seen as ‘unmanly’. Our men are expected to ‘be a man’ and be ” tough” even when they need help.
This belief doesn’t just discourage men from opening up; It also discourages men from seeking mental health treatment even when they need it.
Sadly, this is one of the reasons why most men turn to alcohol and drug abuse to cope with their unspoken pain.
- ‘A man’s worth is tied to his financial success” Belief: In many cultures including Nigeria, a man’s value is often measured by his financial success. Men are expected to be the provider, the breadwinner and the one who bears all the financial burden.
And when they can’t meet those expectations, they are seen as failures. These has caused many men to work hard at the cost of their physical and mental health.
Today, many men in our society suffer from burnout, stress, depression due to the pressure placed on them by society to be financially stable at all costs.
How Can We Reduce the Stigma Around Men’s Mental Health in Nigeria?
To reduce and eliminate the stigma around men’s mental health, everyone has a part to play, both as an individual and as a society
As a Society:
- Use Social Media and TV/Radio: Media is one of the most powerful tools we have. Social media platforms, TV shows, and radio programs should create more space for conversations about men’s mental health.
Campaigns and programs that openly discuss the emotional struggles men face and challenge harmful stereotypes can go a long way in normalizing the topic of men’s mental health in Nigeria.
2. Involve Male Celebrities and Influencers: Using the influence and reach of male celebrities and influencers is a good way to create more awareness around men’s mental health.
When well-known male figures speak up about their mental health journeys, it sends a powerful message to other men and the rest of the society. It also helps others realize that they are not alone and that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength.
3. Spreading Mental Health Awareness through Male Communities: Another way to break the stigma around men’s mental health is to promote it in settings and communities where men naturally gather like barbershops, gyms, football viewing centers, clubs, etc.
When mental health conversations start happening in these everyday environments, it feels more normal and less intimidating. Over time, this will help break the silence and normalize talking about emotions and seeking support among men.
4. Increase Access to Mental Health Resources: One of the major challenges in promoting men’s mental health awareness is that many men do not know where they can get mental health treatment even when they need help.
This is why mental health and counseling centers must step up their publicity efforts both offline and online. They should also carry out campaigns tailored specifically to men, using language and stories that resonates with them.
5. Promote Men’s Mental Health at Work: As men spend a lot of time at work, employers should organize programs, workshops, and awareness campaigns that focus on men’s mental health. This will reduce the stigma around men’s mental health and encourage more men to speak up and get the support they need.
Also Read: How can Employers Support The Mental Health of Their Male Employees
6. Create More Safe Spaces for Men: We need more safe spaces created specifically for men. While there are plenty of support groups and communities for women, there aren’t nearly enough for men.
It could be a small, intentional setting where men can come together, talk openly without judgment, share their stories, and connect with other men who understand what they are going through. Examples include:
- Monthly men’s hangout at a barbershop.
- A WhatsApp or Telegram group for men to check in on each other.
- A religious men’s group that also talks about mental health.
- A football or fitness group that creates time for mental health conversations.
As an Individual:
- Start Honest Conversations with Male Friends and Family Members: We need to start encouraging the men in our lives including our brothers, friends, partners, etc., to talk about their struggles. And when they do, we must listen without judgment.
This is very important especially if you are a man. No one can understand your feelings better than yourself. You need to be willing to have these discussions with your male friends. When they go to you to talk or they share their experiences and worries, don’t make fun of them or dismiss their feelings.
The more we are open to having these conversations, the more the stigma around men’s mental health reduces.
- Don’t Invalidate the Feelings of Men around You: When a man opens up about his struggles, the worst thing you can do is to downplay his feelings or make fun of him, whether online or offline.
Statements like ‘You are a man, ‘toughen up’, etc., will only push men further into silence. If a man chooses to speak up, it means he trusts you. Don’t use that moment to belittle or ridicule his feelings.
Men have emotions too. And those emotions are valid.
Conclusion
Reducing the stigma around men’s mental health is not a one-person effort. It is something we must all work together to achieve. Whether it is starting honest conversations, creating safe spaces, or simply listening without judgment, every small action matters.
So, let us show up for the men in our lives. Let us remind them that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.
And if you are a man reading this, know that your feelings are valid. You deserve support, healing, and peace of mind just like anyone else.
At Mycarebuddy, we are committed to providing affordable mental health support for both men and women. If you want to talk to someone, book an appointment here. We are always ready to help you.