Dr Tendai Zuze
Health Matters
FINALLY, men get their own month!
November is Men’s Health Month, and we better make the most of it.
For once, we get an entire month dedicated to our health and wellbeing.
It is an opportunity to talk about the health issues affecting men, encourage one another to take better care of ourselves, and perhaps most importantly, have some honest conversations about things we don’t normally talk about.
When we talk about men’s health, the conversation often revolves around prostate cancer, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and other physical conditions.
These are all important, but there is another aspect of men’s health that deserves just as much attention: mental health.
In Zimbabwe, many men grow up with the belief that they must always be strong. From a young age, boys are taught not to cry, not to complain and to deal with their problems quietly.
As men, we are expected to be providers, protectors and problem solvers. We must pay school fees, put food on the table, look after our families and somehow make everything work, even when things are falling apart around us.
But who looks after the man?
The economic realities in Zimbabwe have made life particularly difficult for many men.
Unemployment, struggling businesses, poor salaries, and the responsibility of supporting extended families can take a serious toll on mental health.
Many men are dealing with financial pressures, relationship problems, work-related stress and uncertainty about the future. Yet very few will openly admit that they are struggling.
Sometimes, mental health problems do not present themselves as sadness or depression. They may show up as irritability, anger, excessive drinking, social withdrawal, poor sleep or constantly being unhappy. That man who is always short-tempered, unusually quiet or seemingly distant may be dealing with problems he has no idea how to express.
Others bury themselves in work, avoid social interactions or turn to alcohol in an attempt to escape reality.
We also need to address the stigma surrounding mental health in our communities. Many men are afraid of being judged, labelled as weak or told to simply man up.
Some feel that admitting to depression, anxiety or emotional exhaustion somehow takes away from their masculinity.
Unfortunately, this culture of silence often means that men only seek help when things have become really bad.
We need to change this mindset. There is nothing unmanly about experiencing stress, anxiety or depression. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It takes courage to acknowledge that you are struggling and to do something about it.
Men also need to look after themselves. Make time to exercise, rest, maintain friendships and have meaningful conversations with people you trust. Do not make alcohol your coping mechanism. Pay attention to your sleep, diet and general health.
If you are constantly feeling overwhelmed, losing interest in things you previously enjoyed or finding it difficult to cope with everyday life, speak to a healthcare professional. Depression and anxiety are real medical conditions, and effective treatment is available.
Men should do as I say, not necessarily as I do.
We are often very good at advising others about the importance of regular medical check-ups, exercise, healthy eating and managing stress, yet we are not always very good at following our own advice.
We postpone our medical examinations, ignore symptoms, push ourselves too hard and convince ourselves that we will deal with things later. Unfortunately, later is not always guaranteed. We need to practise what we preach.
Families and communities also have a role to play. We need to create environments where men can talk about their problems without being judged or ridiculed. Sometimes a simple conversation, asking a man how he is really doing and taking the time to listen, can make a significant difference. Men need emotional support, appreciation and understanding too. Being strong does not mean being without feelings.
As we commemorate Men’s Health Month this November, let us remember that men’s health goes beyond muscles, physical strength and the ability to provide. Mental wellbeing matters just as much. Behind the man who appears strong and dependable may be someone who is tired, worried, overwhelmed and in need of support.
So, gentlemen, this month let us make ourselves a priority for a change. Go for that medical check-up, get your blood pressure checked, talk about what is bothering you and seek help when you need it.
For more on men’s health, contact [email protected]
