Men's Mental Health
Mental health refers to cognitive, behavioural, and emotional well-being. It is all about how people think, feel, and behave. People sometimes use the term “mental health” to mean the absence of a mental disorder. According to the World Health Organization (WHO): “Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” Mental and behavioural disorders affect people of all countries and societies, regardless of age, gender and income and it is not uncommon in Nigeria, yet there is still considerable neglect of mental health, and those who visibly suffer from mental illness are largely stigmatized. With an estimated population of 200 million Nigerians, human resources for mental health are scant at best.
The stigma and lack of awareness around mental health produce particularly marked results for men. It is an important yet overlooked health concern. According to Mental Health Foundation (2020), “Men are often expected to be the breadwinners and to be strong, dominant and in control. While these aren’t inherently bad things, they can make it harder for men to reach out for help and open up. Some research also suggests that men who can’t speak openly about their emotions may be less able to recognize symptoms of mental health problems in themselves, and less likely to reach out for support”. So, due to a number of factors including social norms, upbringing and the role models men are presented with, some men’s mental health issues have gone unrecognized for a long time.
Worldwide, even though more women are reported to suffer depression than men, men are more likely to die by suicide compared to women. Nigerian men, like many across the world, often bottle up emotions that cause mental stress. These often lead to taking up unhealthy ways of dealing with stress such as smoking, drinking excessively or compulsive spending. (Nigeria Health Watch, 2020). According to a 2019 Mental Help publication, a range of factors can contribute to the development of mental health issues in men, such as:
- Substance abuse: Men may be more likely to use drugs or alcohol as a means of coping with mental health issues, though such ‘self-medication’ can make things worse in the long run.
- Poor working conditions or a high workload: Work stress and a lack of social support have been associated with a higher likelihood of mental health issues in men.
- Traditional gender roles: This can include feeling pressure to be a provider or societal norms that discourage men from talking about their feelings.
- Financial issues: Economic factors are a top cause of stress for many people and could play a role in the development of certain mental health disorders.
- Loss of work: Unemployment and retirement are associated with an increased risk of depression in men. One in 7 men who lose their jobs become depressed.
- Separation and divorce: Often, men tend to see themselves as being providers and the ones to keep the family happy. Depression is more prevalent and more severe among divorced men.
