Written By: Mfon Michael Okon
Human Resources, ICTMH
Eight (8) year old Unwana-Abasi is bullied by Eleojo, an eleven year old girl in a higher class at the primary school down the road. He cries and runs to his teacher to report that he was just bullied and assaulted, only to be hushed by his teacher, “stop crying Unwana, or are you not a boy again?” She scowls at him and even goes on to say “men don’t cry, so suck it up and don’t let people laugh at you”..
These are some of the expressions and words meted out to men of African descent, especially here in Nigeria. From a very tender age, the traditional masculinity norms are taught to little boys; they are made to conform and learn to suppress their emotions.
In a society where masculinity is often associated with strength, resilience, and emotional forbearance, many Nigerian men struggle silently with mental health issues, often without seeking help or speaking openly about their struggles.
According to traditional perception, the expression of vulnerability or admitting to mental health problems is a sign of weakness which cannot be tolerated in our society. Izugbara & Undie (2008), stated that. “According to traditional perceptions, vulnerability is often seen as a weakness in Nigerian men…” For example, most men feel compelled to uphold an image of being the bread winners and protectors, which can lead to overwhelming pressure and stress. Another illustration of this is the story of Kehinde; a young Nigerian man who lost several jobs but refused to ask for help because he believed that admitting to depression would undermine his masculinity and he would be disrespected and disregarded at home and in society, worse was the fact that his twin sister Taiwo was financially stable and was the one responsible for their old parents’ upkeep. His silence resulted in prolonged depression and later alienation from his family and community.
Societal stigma intensifies the problem. Many Nigerian men fear being labeled weak or dishonorable if they acknowledge mental health challenges. This stigma prevents them from seeking professional help, leading to untreated conditions that may result in tragedies like suicide or substance abuse which has sadly now become very common. Nigeria records a concerning rate of male suicides, often linked to untreated depression and anxiety, highlighting the critical need for awareness and intervention.
Economic pressures have been shown to significantly impact male mental health in Nigeria (Adeosun, 2016); The present state of Nigeria’ s economy and the continual struggle to be able to put food on the table or even afford personal or the family’s basic needs, puts an unimaginable strain on most men’s already fragile mental states.
The need to improve mental health awareness among Nigerian men is increasingly vital.
Neglecting mental health in men does have serious and far-reaching consequences.
A World Health Organization (WHO) publication on Suicide Worldwide, stated that Nigeria has one of the highest suicide rates in Africa, with men being disproportionately affected. The dangers of silence and consequences of mental health in men include;
- Increased Risk of Suicide
- Substance Abuse
- Aggression and Violence due to bottled-up emotions.
- Relationship Breakdown due to emotional unavailability or poor communication.
- Poor Physical Health
- Low Productivity and Job Loss
- Emotional Detachment
- Chronic Stress and Burnout
- Delayed Help-Seeking
- Intergenerational Impact
Fortunately, some NGOs like the ICTMH are willing to organize workshops and opportunities where men share their experiences in safe environments, gradually breaking the culture of silence.
Some of the best ways to create awareness for men’s mental health issues in Nigeria are:
- Public Education Campaigns: Use radio, television, social media, and billboards to spread messages that challenge stereotypes and promote mental health literacy among men.
- Community Engagement: Getting involved with local leaders, religious organizations, and community groups to hold workshops and seminars that address men’s mental health and encourage open discussions.
- Peer Support Programs: Establish peer-led support groups where men can share their experiences and support each other in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
- Collaboration with Influencers: Engage respected public figures, athletes, celebrities, and traditional rulers to speak openly about mental health, reducing stigma and encouraging men to seek help.
- Integration into Healthcare: Train healthcare providers to screen for mental health issues during routine check-ups and create specialized clinics or services tailored for men.
- Use of Social Media Campaigns: Launch targeted online campaigns with hashtags, videos, and testimonials that resonate with Nigerian men, breaking myths and stigma.
- Workplace Programs: Collaborate with employers to implement mental health awareness and support initiatives within workplaces, encouraging men to seek help without fear of professional repercussions.
- Media Representation: Promote stories and documentaries that depict real men dealing with mental health issues, emphasizing that seeking help is a sign of strength.
- Government Policy and Advocacy: Advocate for policies that prioritize mental health services and funding, ensuring accessibility and reducing stigma at the institutional level.
In conclusion, the mental health of Nigerian men remains an under-recognized crisis. Bridging the gap between societal perceptions and the reality of mental health struggles requires collective action, raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging men to seek help without fear of judgment. Only through such efforts can Nigeria foster a healthier environment where men feel empowered to address their mental well-being openly and without shame.
References
Adeosun, I. I. (2016). The stigma of mental illness and help-seeking behavior among male civil servants in Lagos, Nigeria. African Journal of Psychiatry, 19(3), 241–246. https://doi.org/10.4314/ajpsy.v19i3.8
Izugbara, C. O., & Undie, C. C. (2008). Who owns the body? Indigenous African discourses of the body and contemporary sexual rights rhetoric. Reproductive Health Matters, 16(31), 159–167. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0968-8080(08)31371-6
Makinde, O. O., Adelekan, M. L., & James, B. O. (2020). Masculinity and mental health help-seeking among male adolescents in Nigeria. Journal of Men’s Health, 16(1), e1–e8. https://doi.org/10.31083/j.jomh.2020.01.230
World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Suicide worldwide in 2023: Global health estimates. Geneva: World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240069946
World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Mental health atlas 2020. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240036702
Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS). (2023). Labour force statistics: Unemployment and underemployment report. https://nigerianstat.gov.ng
Oladeji, B. D., & Gureje, O. (2016). The premium placed on masculinity and mental health-seeking behavior in Nigeria. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 62(6), 487–496. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020764016651451