By Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri

Do you know that suicide is the leading cause of death in men under 45 years in many countries?

Do you know that 1 in 8 men will experience depression and anxiety in any given year?

Do you know that many men with mental health challenges are unrecognised, undiagnosed and untreated?

Do you know that June is Men’s Mental Health Month?

Well, now you do!
The month is dedicated to raising awareness about the unique challenges men face as regards their mental health.

The period also affords the opportunity to encourage open conversations with the aim of breaking the stigma men face when getting attention for their emotional and mental wellbeing.

Men’s mental health is often neglected due to a complex interplay of societal, cultural and systemic factors. When compared with women, men are far less likely to seek therapy or help when confronted with life’s challenges, including mental health issues.

Unrealistic societal expectations of men when it comes to their mental and emotional health include that they ‘man up’, ‘be strong’ , hide and shield their emotions, discouraging them from expressing vulnerability. Generally, men are seen as weak should they show emotions such as anxiety, fear or sadness.

Many men also crumble under the weight of traditional roles of breadwinner expectations, as they feel heavy pressure to be the primary provider, always be strong, and self-reliant, which often leads to difficulty talking openly about their challenges, emotions, or struggles.

Unfortunately however, these difficulties put men further at risk of depression and anxiety, substance use disorders, social isolation, suicide, physical health problems and lower productivity and life satisfaction.

This month and everyday, it is pertinent to encourage our men to make themselves and their mental health a priority and to reach out for support. We must also in turn, actively and intentionally create safe and enabling environments.

We must start with showing language, attitudes and behaviour that encourage them to seek help. We must reassure our men that speaking up is a sign of strength, not weakness.

We must check in with them, listen to, stand with them, share their struggles and hold their hands through life’s difficult and sometimes lonely journeys.

It is our collective responsibility to build a culture where every man can feel seen, heard, validated and empowered to seek help, to ensure they thrive mentally.

Together, we can!
Remember, there is no health without mental health.