By Samuel Mwangi ngari..
Men prefer to view situations from the lens of provision rather than being present emotionally.
This probably explains why there is a hike in cases of depression among men. Society has deemed masculinity to being resilient and being stoic. Any instance of men showing vulnerability is deemed as a feminine trait and even as we debunk this backward reasoning many still hold onto the former. How often do drop what you are doing to pay attention to your brother and be physically there?
While it has been proven that one cannot heal in isolation and any forms of buffers to distract oneself are only temporary, many men still consider drugs as a way of escaping their deepest harrowing thoughts of emptiness. Understanding the core reason why men are more likely to get addicted to drugs, sex and others substances is a major way of solving many issues affecting men. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that depression currently affects over 264 million people worldwide, with men being less likely to seek help due to societal expectations and stigma. In Kenya, the prevalence of mental health disorders is estimated to be 4.4%, with common issues including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) indicates that men have higher suicide rates than women, underscoring the urgent need for mental health interventions. Cultural norms often reinforce traditional gender roles, where men are expected to remain stoic and resilient.
Globally, one in ten men experiences depression or anxiety, but less than half receive treatment. Additional alarming statistics about men's mental health include the fact that 90% of people diagnosed with schizophrenia by the age of 30 are men. Schizophrenia cases have notably increased, particularly in Kenya, highlighting the need for more research on the condition and the stigma faced by individuals living with it. Unfortunately, many people fail to treat those with mental health issues with dignity, further exacerbating their conditions through discrimination.
The primary factors contributing to mental health challenges in men are work, finances, and health. A survey revealed that many men would only seek professional help if they had thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
While women can gossip to each other or show vulnerabilities without being judged men on the other hard find it hard to openly share their struggles. Being resilient or stoic helps in life on the long run but opening up to someone once in a while makes life easier and it gives one the idea that you are not alone.
Talk to someone courage brother and whatever you are going through is just the dark before the dawn.
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