MENTAL ILLNESSES IN MEN
By: Elphas K. Makokha
Worth Noting:
- Societal placement of a man as a breadwinner is another cause of mental health disorder. Well, this is changing slowly with women stepping up as breadwinners. However, it has been and still is like climbing a mountain to some men.
- As a family, it’s of essence if you offered each other a hand in times of financial crisis. Finances get depleted and that’s when a man is really abused of how he doesn’t perform his duties.
- They are then compared to other men doing better than them. This might be happening in the presence of kids and is the worst feeling men can ever walk away with.
The society has set parameters in relation to definition of a man. This has great impacts that haven’t been realized. A man should be strong, and this means that they can’t cry. They are meant to withstand pressure from all sides. We are loosing more young men because of mental health disorders. This is a result of sinking into depression. They don’t want to speak out because they feel they are strong, of course as a man they should be. Depression eats them up until they don’t have hopes for tomorrow. This has always ended up with the person terminating their lives by either committing suicide.
Men, just as women have feelings and should not be judged when they react. We have encountered statements such as “Why cry when you are a man?”. This is so wrong especially if it comes from those close to him or even loved ones. This is a time to show love and support. Let them be aware that it’s okay to break down. It’s normal to be overwhelmed. We can only be human if we appreciate those men around us.
Societal placement of a man as a breadwinner is another cause of mental health disorder. Well, this is changing slowly with women stepping up as breadwinners. However, it has been and still is like climbing a mountain to some men. As a family, it’s of essence if you offered each other a hand in times of financial crisis. Finances get depleted and that’s when a man is really abused of how he doesn’t perform his duties. They are then compared to other men doing better than them. This might be happening in the presence of kids and is the worst feeling men can ever walk away with.
How do you feel when you are rejected as a man? Do you own it up and realize that you ain’t everyone’s favourite? Rejection is just a way of saying, you are better off without me. It’s not meant to define how ugly, weak or inability to perform we are. Men for quite sometimes won’t take in rejection lightly. They want to fight their way only to get hit and hurt more. This is not their making but afraid of the “titles” they will be branded. A result of societal expectations. When things aren’t working your way, take a break and refocus. As a man, you aren’t meant to win always. Losing is part of winning.
As partners, we must learn to appreciate and know that just like a road, life has bends. It has its low and highs. How best can we cope with many different situations that presents themselves in our lives? Always take a break, go for a walk or have a conversation with your friends whenever you feel lonely or low. With great support and avoiding being judgmental, we stand a chance to reduce mental health cases that have fatal outcomes. As a man, brace yourself and walk through that storm of ” they will say this and that”, put aside what the society hopes for from you. You have a life to live as an individual!
Lastly, it’s a good practice to frequently seek mental check-ups. You never know when you are a victim. Set time aside from your usual activities for the wellness of your body, mind and soul.
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