Health Series 2: Silent Struggles: Men's Mental Health in Nigeria Amidst Economic Crisis"-Miriam Ike
Dear faithful readers,
Welcome back to “Health Info with Mims”! I hope you found our last discussion on CPR training informative and empowering. Today, we’re plunging into an equally critical but often overlooked topic: Men's Mental Health in Nigeria Amidst the Economic Crisis.
Before we talk about the issues surrounding men as a result of the economic crisis let us understand the concept of mental health.
Concept of mental health
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape our world. Mental health is a basic human right. And it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development.
It is more than the absence of mental disorders. It exists on a complex continuum, which is experienced differently from one person to the next, with varying degrees of difficulty and distress and potentially very different social and clinical outcomes.
With the knowledge of the concept of mental health, you will agree with me that there are determinants of mental health and they include:
Biological factors
Psychological factors
Environmental factors
Individual psychological and biological characteristics might increase a person's susceptibility to mental health issues. These factors include emotional intelligence, substance abuse, and heredity.
People are more likely to suffer from mental health disorders when they are exposed to unfavourable social, economic, geopolitical, and environmental conditions, such as poverty, violence, inequality, and environmental deprivation.
A Storm Brewing
In Nigeria, the economic downturn has placed immense pressure on everyone, but men, in particular, face unique challenges. Cultural expectations often demand that men be strong, unyielding providers, even when suffering. This societal pressure leads many men to hide their pain and suffer in silence, aggravating their mental health issues. It is important to note that the biggest causes of mental health issues in men's lives are work their finances and their health
The Economic Crisis and Its Crushing Impact on Men
Nigeria’s economic struggles, characterized by high inflation, unemployment, and a declining standard of living, have hit men hard. The role of the provider is deeply rooted in many cultures, and in Nigeria, this expectation is particularly strong. When men are unable to fulfil this role due to economic hardships, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy, stress, and depression.
The Hidden Pain: Why Men Suffer in Silence
There is a common saying; “Men don’t cry. They bottle it up”. This common thought has conditioned men to suppress their emotions and not seek help, viewing it as a sign of weakness. This stigma around mental health makes it difficult for them to open up about their struggles. As a result, many men endure severe mental health issues without seeking the support they need.
Breaking the Silence: Recognizing the Signs and Silent Cries
It’s crucial to recognize the signs of mental health struggles in men, which can often be different from those in women. Some common signs include:
Irritability and Anger: Men may express their distress through anger rather than sadness.
Withdrawal: Pulling away from family, friends, and activities they once enjoyed.
Substance Abuse: Using alcohol or drugs to cope with their feelings.
Changes in Sleep Patterns: Insomnia or sleeping too much.
Physical Symptoms: Headaches, digestive issues, or chronic pain without a clear cause.
Encouraging Open Conversations
Creating a supportive environment where men feel comfortable discussing their mental health is vital. Here are some steps to encourage open conversations:
Normalize Mental Health Discussions: Talk openly about mental health to reduce the stigma.
Encourage Seeking Help: Promote the idea that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Provide Resources: Share information about mental health services and support groups available in Nigeria.
Support Networks: Encourage men to build strong support networks with friends and family.
The economic crisis in Nigeria has put immense pressure on men, leading to a silent epidemic of mental health issues. By recognising the signs, encouraging open conversations, and promoting mental health resources, we can help men navigate these challenging times and improve their well-being.
Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on “Health Info with Mims”. If you found this post helpful, please share it with others and join the conversation about men’s mental health. Together, we can make a difference.
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