The Creation and Silencing of Males’ Mental Health Issues

Source: Bridget Antwi & Doreen Abena Kyerewaa Akata

Males’ mental health is a critical topic that is often disregarded in our society. Compared to women’s, men’s mental health receives less attention. This neglect can be attributed to the traditional societal expectations of males which is often unconsciously instilled in them from childhood through to adulthood. These expectations create a culture of limited open communication amongst males which evolves into silence around male mental health.
This leads to increased mental health concerns and even some self-destructive behaviours in men. As a matter of fact, a study conducted by Adoboi et al. (2024) indicates men commit suicide at a higher rate than women, highlighting the need for society to create a more welcoming environment in addressing males’ mental health holistically.  

Majority of negative mental health in males can be attributed, at least in part, to unfulfilled expectations based on traditional gender roles. These roles are stereotypical constructs designed by society that determines what an individual must do based on their gender. In the case of most males, they are mostly nurtured with the expectation of becoming the breadwinners for their nuclear and extended families. Here’s a little breakdown of what’s typically expected of a male in the Ghanaian society: education, employment, marriage, then supporting both nuclear and extended families. Not to say this is a bad thing in itself; realistically, life may not always follow that pattern. Of course, this may have been possible in the past, but we currently live in an era of economic hardships accompanied by a high rate of unemployment which can leave may well-educated males unemployed for how many — 3, 4, 7 years or more?  Now, imagine the emotional toll on a man in his late twenties who feels he is failing to meet these deeply ingrained expectations. The feeling of inadequacy can be crippling.

 This emotional burden often leads to the socially expected behaviour where most males avoid confiding in anyone about their struggles or accepting that they are feeling emotionally overwhelmed. Why? It all boils down to the notion of what ideal masculinity is perceived to be. This dictates what behaviours a “true” male is expected to exhibit. These often include suppressing emotions such as crying, feeling hurt, or talking to someone about the challenges they may be facing. In essence, most males are encouraged to be emotionless rather than confide in someone all in an effort to project a sort of strength; Liddon et al. (2017) reveal that men are less likely than women to seek psychological help. Truth is, these are toxic perceptions of masculinity — they are not right.  The pressure to conform to a narrow definition of masculinity often creates an environment where men’s mental health is left silenced and unaddressed.

The silencing of men’s mental health issues has far-reaching detrimental consequences. Left unresolved, emotional overwhelm, anxiety, and depression can escalate into serious mental health disorders and increase the risk of self-harm behaviors like suicide. Social isolation often follows because men find it difficult to communicate their struggles. This can hinder their ability to build meaningful relationships, both romantic and platonic. Furthermore, unaddressed mental health can manifest in physical symptoms like high blood pressure, creating a negative feedback loop.

It’s undeniable that social, cultural, and economic conditions have produced a challenging climate in which males do not feel comfortable opening up. This system must be changed by society as a whole by making efforts to break the silence and foster better mental health in men. A systemic change won’t happen overnight, but consistent efforts can create a more welcoming environment where men can feel comfortable talking about their mental health challenges. Promoting positive masculinity, challenging toxic perceptions, and providing accessible resources like hotlines and support groups are crucial steps.  Males are also humans who feel emotions and neeed to be encouraged to express their emotions, share their hardships, and seek help (financial or psychological) without fear or shame; because seeking help does not devalue their masculinity. To society: we must strive to promote a welcoming environment where issues regarding men’s mental health is not silenced. To men, remember: talking about your struggles is rather a sign of strength, not weakness. By seeking help, you can create a more positive and fulfilling life for yourself.

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