Studies around the world have shown that males everywhere are reluctant to talk about their mental health and are more likely to die by early than females
“I’m urging men to prioritize their physical and mental health, as the toll on their well-being is evident. I recently had an encounter with an Uber driver in his 50s/60s who was stressed and overwhelmed. Despite his efforts to provide for his family, his wife was ungrateful and demanded more, adding to his financial and mental burden. This is a common scenario for many men, who are expected to be strong and resilient. I also attended a wedding where both fathers of the celebrants had passed away, while their mothers were still alive, highlighting the disparity in lifespan. I implore men to take care of themselves and not let stress, whether from family or other sources, consume them. Remember, men are not invincible, and it’s essential to take things easy and prioritize your health.”
People living with mental illness often deal with stigma arising from the society’s misunderstandings about the various mental health disease conditions. The pressure on men seems to be heightened by the societal beliefs, responsibilities and expectations which often make it difficult for them to talk about and seek care.
Societal expectations place incredible pressure on men and it is important that men recognise that “bodi no be firewood” and take their mental health seriously. It should be a sign of strength and something positive, for men to understand the things that lead to poor mental health. Men should help protect their health by having honest conversations, exercising and seeking health care, even if they think what they’re dealing with isn’t ‘bad enough’. Men generally seem to have poorer health seeking behaviours than women, as research has shown. Most men wait to be cajoled, coaxed and reminded to go to the hospital for scheduled visits. These poor health seeking behaviours among Nigerian men, which is also seen in many parts of the world may have roots in the prevalent expectations in patriarchal societies that men are to be strong and not show any signs of weakness, including illness.
Practicing self-care is paramount for stress reduction. Engaging in stress-relief activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, physical exercise, creative hobbies, or spending time in nature helps rejuvenate the mind and body, providing a much-needed respite from workplace pressures. Good diet, music, good sleep.
To do things
Take care of yourself.
Avoid drugs and alcohol as they can add to stress. …
Engage in self-relaxation. …
Take breaks when needed. …
Seek out social support. …
Connect with others socially. …
Maintain a normal routine. …
Give back to others.
