daniel chigunwe
Dr Chido Rwafa Madzvamutse
Mental Health
As discussed in previous articles, mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which an individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a meaningful contribution to their community.
June and November have become popular for promoting men’s mental wellbeing.
Men are three times more likely to die by suicide compared to women.
Men are more likely to struggle with alcohol and substance use.
This may be because men’s mental health challenges often go unrecognised and many they may suffer alone in silence.
Challenges to developing and promoting men’s mental health initiatives
Lack of individual and public awareness about the extent of men’s mental health challenges and the impact on families and communities. Men’s health in general and mental health in particular is not often highlighted and is often undermined.
Socio-cultural norms that make it difficult to get buy-in from men themselves and the community. Men are often expected to be stoic and self-reliant and the vulnerabilities men may have may not be tolerated in many communities.
Limited policy and financial support for mental health initiatives in general and men’s mental health initiatives in particular. Mental health is generally underfunded and this filters down to targeted programmes for men.
Limited research on men’s mental health needs, which limits understanding about what initiatives would be most suitable for men particularly in the African context
Limited access to mental health services, which are often not ‘men-friendly’. Tailored men’s mental health services are rare to find.
Promoting effective men’s mental health initiatives
There should be men’s mental health awareness campaigns. These will raise individual and public awareness on mental health challenges men may face. This would improve community literacy concerning men’s mental health challenges.
Development and dissemination of resource materials for men to access on how to maintain mental wellbeing and how to recognise when one needs help. There are limited resources materials particularly those tailored for African men.
Workplace mental health programmes to increase opportunities for support for men. Many workplaces are still male dominated and these may be entry points for men’s mental health initiatives.
Community men’s support groups to improve men’s support networks. These can provide opportunities for building healthy relationships for friendship, companionship and mentorship
Promoting positive role models for men’s mental wellbeing in the media to change the narrative of men and their emotions. Men often lack appropriate role models who demonstrate appropriate emotional vulnerability and healthy coping skills.
Addressing barriers within the health system for men to access mental health services.
Mental health services are often better tailored for women and may be uncomfortable for most men deterring help seeking.
If you think that you or a man that you know may be experiencing a mental health problem, please contact your nearest health care provider and get help.
Association of Health Care Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ) article written by Dr Chido Rwafa Madzvamutse, Consultant Psychiatrist.
Feedback: Dr Chido Rwafa Madzvamutse +263777727332)(www.ahfoz.org ; [email protected])
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