By: Ayotomiwa Mayomi
“Globally, men are less likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety than women. But they are far more likely to die by suicide and to struggle with substance misuse. This isn't because men suffer less — it's because they seek help less, and stigma silences them."
Based on World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Estimates
June is specially designed to celebrate men’s mental health, referencing men’s resilient and courageous steps to live daily. Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It has intrinsic and instrumental value and is integral to our well-being and men are recognized to experience them.
At any one time, a diverse set of individual, family, community and structural factors may combine to protect or undermine mental health. Although most Men are resilient, Men who are exposed to adverse circumstances including poverty, violence, disability and inequality are at higher risk of developing a mental health condition.
Many mental health conditions can be effectively treated at relatively low cost, yet health systems remain significantly under-resourced and treatment gaps are wide all over the world. Mental health care is often poor in quality when delivered. Men with mental health conditions often also experience stigma, discrimination and human rights violations.
Men must be praised for their resilient struggles of life
On December 2025, The Lagoon Palms Aviary Club of Nigeria hosted an insightful symposium focused on men’s mental health awareness. The symposium, aptly themed “Breaking Barriers: Men’s Mental Health and Awareness,” was spearheaded by the club’s president, Adegoke Caleb.
In his address to journalists, Caleb emphasized the urgency of conversations around men’s mental health, highlighting that societal norms often sideline these discussions in favor of women’s health issues. “It’s important that we talk about men’s mental state of health,” he stated, pointing out that men face a myriad of challenges that can lead to emotional turmoil, stress, and even depression.
In a Facebook post from the Nigeria Ministry of Health to Men “June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. This year’s theme, Partners in Care, reminds us that supporting men’s mental wellbeing starts with listening, checking in, and staying connected.
Every conversation matters. Every person matters.
#MensMentalHealthMonth.”
Egemba Chinonso Fidelis popularly known as Aproko Doctor, who is a Nigerian doctor, health influencer publicly eulogies men
“525,000 a year, 10,000 a week, 1,400 a day. These are the number of men that die by suicide.
Happy Men’s Mental Health Month
To Everyman reading this: your are not a burden and you do not have to carry the weight of the alone. Speaking up is real strength”
Too often, public health messages direct men towards overstretched or culturally incongruent clinical services. When men do engage particularly around suicidality they might be met with risk-averse, depersonalising responses.
This misalignment creates a paradox: the more visibly distressed a man becomes, the more likely he is to encounter exclusion from available services. Awareness without system readiness risks eroding trust and engagement. What is needed is evidence-informed awareness embedded in systems that are resourced and prepared to respond effectively.
Therefore, Men should be celebrated, encouraged and supported. Dr. Sunday Amosu (Consultant Psychiatrist, Director of Research & Training, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Nigeria) asserts
"Our culture teaches that men must not cry, must not show emotions, and must always be in control. However, studies have shown that this is doing a lot of harm. When we bottle emotions, it is like a keg of gunpowder waiting to explode.
"Positive masculinity promotes empathy, respect, and partnership. It tells us that men can cry and still be strong. Crying is not a sign of weakness. It helps to regulate mood, relieve stress, and promote healing."
Happy Men’s mental health month.
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