BREAKING THE CHAINS OF SILENCE: HOW SOCIETAL EXPECTATIONS ARE STIFLING MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH IN GHANA AND ACROSS AFRICA

TALK TO HEAL – Fifth series by Angel Lobelia Okyere-Yeboah in collaboration with Mr. Nazeer M.D Saeed

BREAKING THE CHAINS OF SILENCE: HOW SOCIETAL EXPECTATIONS ARE STIFLING MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH IN GHANA AND ACROSS AFRICA

Dear Men, 

True Strength Isn’t Suffering in Silence; Don’t Die to Prove You’re a man

For generations, men have been expected to embody strength and resilience, often at the cost of their emotional well-being. Mental health struggles among men have always existed, but they were rarely acknowledged; let alone addressed. Today, a troubling reality is unfolding: suicide rates among men are rising at an alarming pace across Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa has the highest suicide rate in the world, with an estimated 11 out of every 100,000 people taking their own lives annually. In countries like Nigeria and South Africa, men account for nearly 75% of suicide cases, reflecting a devastating crisis that often goes unnoticed. Ghana is no exception. Nearly 70% of suicides in the country are committed by men, amounting to a staggering 1,500 deaths annually. While some attribute this crisis to lifestyle changes or processed foods, a more insidious issue is at play; the persistent lack of mental health awareness and support for men. As a woman, I felt a deep responsibility to understand this issue more profoundly. I had the opportunity to engage with Nazeer M.D. Saeed, a dedicated mental health advocate and former Executive Secretary and Public Relations Officer for the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS). His perspective revealed the profound societal barriers and cultural expectations that prevent men from seeking the help they so desperately need.

The Silent Struggle: Cultural and Societal Expectations

In Ghana, as in many African countries, mental health is stigmatized, and the concept of seeking emotional support is often seen as a sign of weakness. Nazeer emphasized that the prevailing cultural belief is that men must be the steadfast providers and protectors, never showing vulnerability. The phrase “Barima nsu” – “A man does not cry” – is a pervasive mantra that is instilled in boys from a young age. This expectation creates an environment where emotions are suppressed, and seeking help becomes synonymous with failure.

This toxic masculinity has devastating consequences. According to a study by the International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 60.4% of Ghanaians view mental illness as a non-medical condition, and 57.9% believe it brings shame upon the family. For men, this stigma is even more pronounced, as they are expected to carry the weight of their emotions alone. Nazeer shared that this cultural pressure often leads to men being ridiculed when they express any sign of vulnerability, whether it’s feeling sad, anxious, or even tired. They are called “soft,” “weaklings,” or worse, “sissies,” if they dare to seek help. The social narrative paints a tragic picture: men must suppress their emotions at all costs, or risk being labeled as inferior.

The Alarming Statistics: Rising Suicide Rates and the Invisible Crisis

The suicide rates tell a heart-wrenching story. Ghana’s suicide rate stood at 6.6 per 100,000 people in 2019, with men accounting for the majority. By 2024, over 1,500 lives had been claimed by suicide, the majority of them young men. The reasons behind these tragedies are complex, but a significant factor is the emotional isolation many men face. Nazeer recounted the story of a KNUST student who, despite excelling academically, was constantly berated by his father. His sister was praised, while he was scorned. This young man, without a healthy outlet for his pain, turned to substance abuse to numb his emotions. Sadly, his story is not unique. Every day, men in Ghana, and across Africa, face similar struggles ;  their mental health issues ignored, their cries for help unheard.

The Price of Emotional Suppression: Depression, Substance Abuse, and Isolation

The fallout from emotional suppression is devastating. Nazeer spoke candidly about how many men turn to alcohol, drugs, or other destructive behaviors to cope with the overwhelming emotional burdens they carry. These substances offer fleeting moments of relief, but they come at a steep price. The spiral of addiction, depression, and isolation often becomes a vicious cycle that is nearly impossible to escape.

Studies worldwide have shown that men are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors when struggling with mental health issues, a tragic trend mirrored in Ghana. As Nazeer pointed out, many men, unable to cope with the immense weight of their emotions, retreat further into themselves. Instead of seeking professional help, they withdraw from relationships, numbing their pain with substances, until they can no longer bear it. Tragically, this can lead to depression and suicidal ideation. The isolation men experience, both emotionally and physically, intensifies their suffering. They internalize their pain, feeling that no one understands or cares.

Are Men Becoming “Weaker” or Acknowledging Their Mental Health Needs?

A prevailing argument is that men today are “softening” by acknowledging their mental health struggles. Nazeer strongly disagrees with this notion, viewing it as a sign of progress rather than regression. He believes that acknowledging one’s emotional health is a form of strength, not weakness. “The times are changing,” he said. “More men are recognizing the importance of mental well-being, and that’s a good thing.” However, he also noted that resistance from older generations and traditionalists remains a powerful obstacle. These figures still associate emotional vulnerability with weakness, reinforcing the harmful notion that men must endure their suffering in silence.

The challenge is not to portray men as weak for expressing vulnerability but to redefine what strength truly means. Strength should not be defined by the ability to avoid pain but by the courage to confront it. Vulnerability, in fact, is a mark of profound strength. Nazeer’s work and advocacy aim to reshape this narrative – to show men that it is okay to cry, to seek help, and to express their emotions openly.

Breaking the Silence: A Call to Action

The silence around men’s mental health must be broken, and it starts with education, advocacy, and creating safe spaces where men can express themselves without fear of judgment. Nazeer outlined several steps that could help change the narrative:

• Raise Awareness and Educate the Public: Mental health education should be prioritized, particularly in schools, communities, and workplaces. Nazeer believes that community-driven campaigns and workshops can promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma. This would open the door for men to seek help without the weight of societal shame.

• Create Safe Spaces for Men: Men need designated spaces where they can share their struggles without fear of being labeled “weak.” Peer support is crucial, as men are more likely to open up to those who share similar experiences. These peer networks can be instrumental in helping men access professional help before their struggles become too overwhelming.

• Challenge Harmful Gender Norms: The deeply ingrained notion of what it means to be a “real man” must be challenged. Nazeer emphasized that the idea that men must always be strong, silent, and unyielding is not only outdated but harmful. Promoting emotional health for men as a core component of their overall well-being will be key to breaking the cultural barriers that prevent them from seeking help.

• Improve Access to Mental Health Services: In Ghana, and many African countries, there is a severe lack of mental health services. Nazeer pointed out that even though there is a growing awareness of mental health issues, the resources to address them remain woefully inadequate. It is vital to expand access to counseling services, telehealth, and community support systems that can cater to men in need.

• Encourage Men to Lead by Example: Men in influential positions, such as community leaders, celebrities, and politicians, can play a pivotal role in shifting public perception. When these figures openly discuss their own mental health challenges, they create an environment where other men feel empowered to do the same.

A Message to Men: You Are Not Alone

To all the men out there silently battling their demons, Nazeer offers a message of hope: “It is okay to not be okay. You don’t have to carry this burden alone. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength.” Your mental health matters, and it is just as important as your physical health. It is time to break the silence and start the conversation. Your well-being should never be a taboo. You deserve to heal, to seek help, and to live freely without the weight of stigma.

It is time for Ghana, for Africa, to rethink what it means to be a man. Strength lies not in silence but in the courage to speak up, to seek help, and to embrace one’s emotions. By supporting men in their mental health journey, we are not only saving lives but also helping to create a society where everyone, regardless of gender, can live emotionally healthy lives

NB: If you’re struggling or know someone who is, don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health organizations like Mind Freedom Ghana, Mental Health Foundation, or visit local healthcare providers for support. Seeking help is the first step towards healing.