BLANTYRE, Malawi - The prevailing economic pressure in Malawi is the main trigger for mental health struggles in men, Blantyre City Mayor Isaac Jomo has said.
According to Homo, men are suffering in silence as they feel the heavy weight of providing for their families.
The mayor highlighted the plight of men during a march on Saturday that focused on men's mental health.
"The reality is that mental health struggles among men are a real crisis. We have a problem because family members and society in general put pressure on men to be the primary providers, and this pressure has a heavy toll on men's mental well-being," he said.
JOMO- Men face pressure to meet family and societal obligations
Jomo said it was a pity that when men fail to meet expectations, they often feel like they have failed, resulting in self-doubt and deep sadness, which in the long run results in depression.
"While there are other factors, the truth is that men who have financial challenges face the sharp sword of worry, stress, and eventually depression as they are expected to be brave and carry on," he said.
Meanwhile in a related development, the Centre for Solutions Journalism (CSJ) has urged men to break silence on their mental healtrh challenges by building safe spaces for connection, seeking professional therapy and engaging in community groups.
CSJ Executive Director Brian Ligomeka said there are many structures that can support the mental well-being of men.
"The major churches in Malawi have Men's Guilds that can assist men facing depression through innovative sessions such as counselling and the organisation of therapeutic interventions," he explained.
Ligomeka asked men who are socialites and enjoy patronising bars if they should get organised and do more than just specialise in the art of intoxication.
MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH - A march raising awareness on mental health in Blantyre
"There is a need for bar owners to be innovative. Let bars have social football and other social sporting teams. Most innovative bars can have village banks and social welfare committees and offer counselling sessions. Why should an imbiber be haunted with depression when his boozing mate is a health worker?" opined Ligomeka.
He said in an interview that men frequently conceal their depression, trauma, and anxiety behind anger, alcohol and drug abuse.
June is recognised as Men's Mental Health Awareness Month in Malawi, which serves as a critical time to address the alarming rate of suicides and mental health challenges affecting men in the country.
With Additional Reporting by LONJEZO SIBWEZA
