Imagine waking up every day with the sense that the world is on your shoulders. The stresses, the expectations, the facades we show to hide what we really feel – it is a burden to bear, and one which bears down on men in particular. In most of the world, as in Kenya, men are expected to be strong, stoic, and unemotional. But what happens when the facade cracks and the feelings burst through?
Men’s Mental Health Month, celebrated throughout the globe in June, is a hard-hitting reminder that men’s mental health matters as well. It is an appeal to break the silence, shatter stereotypical notions of masculinity, and encourage men to focus on their mental wellbeing.
The Kenyan Context
Kenyan traditional masculinity in general is tied to cultural expectations of strength and resilience. Men are meant to be protectors, providers, and strengths to their families. These can be restrictive, however, in that they make it difficult for men to discuss their emotions or seek assistance where they need it.
Kenyan men are less likely to seek mental health care due to stigma and cultural norms, reports a study by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. The study found that men are more susceptible to drug abuse and violent conduct after untreated mental illness.
The Global Perspective
The battle is not unique to Kenya. Men worldwide are less inclined than women to get help for mental illness. Men are more likely than women to commit suicide, with the most vulnerable being men aged between 15-49 years, based on the World Health Organization (WHO).
Men are taught to repress their feelings in most societies, and therefore there is a buildup of hidden feelings. This results in mental conditions like depression, anxiety, and drug abuse. The stress of fitting the cultural standard of masculinity is such that men find it difficult to be mentally well.
Breaking the Silence
So, how do we promote men’s mental health? Firstly, we need to make safe environments in which men feel comfortable coming and talking freely about how they feel without being judged. We have to challenge the stereotypical perceptions of masculinity and encourage men to make their mental health a priority.
In Kenya, organizations like the Kenya Psychological Association and the Mental Health Association of Kenya are promoting mental health awareness and providing support services. Globally, campaigns like Movember and Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month are helping to break the silence and get men to open up.
A Call to Action
As we observe Men’s Mental Health Month, let us remember that mental health is not a women’s issue or a specialized issue – it’s a human issue. We must act together to create a culture where men can take care of their mental health, where they can seek help when they need it, and where they can support one another during the difficult times.
Let us shatter the silence, defy the stigma, and inspire men to be vulnerable. Let us discuss with them the fact that it is acceptable not to be okay and that help-seeking is a reflection of one’s strength and not weakness. As the Kenyan proverb has it, “When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.” Let us unite and create a world in which men can be themselves, without mockery or judgment. Let us be serious about the mental health of men and create a more understanding and compassionate world for all.